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The new Russian ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, who also represents Russia for Burkina Faso, took office last September in Abidjan, and went to Ouagadougou for the first time this week. He was received on Thursday by the head of the transition government, Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela. They talked about the strengthening of relations between their countries at the level of military, commercial and diplomatic cooperation. Then Ambassador Alexey Saltykov was invited on national television to provide details.
For the Russian ambassador, relations between his country and Burkina Faso were already doing well. ” In the field of education, Russia grants scholarships to Burkinabè students, and ninety military trainees are currently in training in Russia. “, did he declare.
Asked whether Moscow is ready to play the role of Ouagadougou’s main ally in the fight against terrorism, Alexey Saltykov played the card of caution. ” We will wait for concrete initiatives from the Burkinabè side “, he replied, “ it may be too early to give an answer at this time. »
On the commercial level, the Russian ambassador offers a reflection on direct trade between his country and Burkina Faso, without intermediaries, that is to say without certain multinational companies. “ I am sure that Russia could be an oil supplier country to Burkina Faso. This is a matter to be discussed between the two governments “, he underlines.
In return, Alexey Saltykov, who resides in Abidjan but whose constituency also includes Burkina Faso, specifies that Russia will need firm diplomatic support from its African partners.