Top Russian diplomat arrives in Egypt ahead of ministerial meeting of regional partnership forum

​​​​​​​By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Thursday in Cairo ahead of a two-day ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

Lavrov’s arrival was confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Telegram, which noted that he has talks planned with a number of African counterparts on the sidelines of the event.

The ministry confirmed Lavrov’s participation in the event Wednesday, which noted the heads of the foreign ministries of all African states and the heads of executive bodies of the continent’s integration associations have been invited.

“Trade, economic cooperation, and investment will be at the center of the second ministerial conference's agenda,” according to a statement.

It said participants will also discuss the implementation of the action plan adopted at the second Russia-Africa summit, held in St. Petersburg in 2023, as well as develop concrete steps for its full implementation.

The statement added that the discussions will be held with the goal of approaching the third edition of the Russia-Africa summit "with a set of concrete achievements and new joint initiatives."

The third Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled for 2026, though its venue has yet to be announced.