Russian President Vladimir Putin has held talks with the leaders of Mozambique, Libya and Equatorial Guinea, signalling Moscow’s continued engagement with African countries amid shifting international political and economic relations.
The meetings took place on Tuesday in Moscow, where the three African leaders were attending the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
During his meeting with Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo, Putin highlighted cooperation between the two countries at multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations.
“We appreciate Mozambique’s support for many Russian initiatives and its rejection of odious Russophobic actions,” the Russian president said.
Putin also expressed Russia’s interest in expanding cooperation with Libya, pointing to longstanding bilateral relations and efforts to strengthen economic ties.
Russia and Libya marked 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, although Moscow’s growing influence in the strategically important North African country has drawn concern from some Western observers.
Despite challenges in the international political and economic environment, Putin said trade between Russia and Libya continued to increase.
He also highlighted the first meeting of the co-chairs of the countries’ joint intergovernmental commission, held in Moscow in April, and expressed interest in restoring its activities on a full scale as soon as possible.
At a separate meeting with Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Putin welcomed the African leader to Moscow and expressed appreciation for cooperation between the two countries.
The engagements came against the backdrop of the GECF, an international organisation bringing together major gas-producing countries to promote cooperation and dialogue on natural gas.
The forum comprises 20 countries and collectively accounts for more than 70 per cent of the world’s proven natural gas reserves and over one-third of global gas production.
Putin’s meetings with the three African leaders highlight the diplomatic and economic dimensions of Russia’s engagement with the continent, particularly as Moscow seeks to maintain partnerships across key international institutions and strategic sectors.
The discussions also underscored the importance of energy cooperation, trade and bilateral relations in Russia’s dealings with African governments.
