Putin Hosts Togo’s President for Talks on Expanding Russia Africa Cooperation
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe at the Kremlin on Wednesday for discussions aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries. The meeting follows an official invitation from President Putin, according to a statement issued by the Togolese government.
The talks will centre on expanding collaboration across diplomacy, trade, agriculture, energy, training, and food security. Togo noted that the two leaders will hold a private session to outline new areas of partnership and strengthen existing engagements.
President Gnassingbe, who has led Togo since 2005 following decades of rule by his late father, is seeking to broaden the country’s international relationships. Russia increasingly views Africa as a key strategic partner and has been building its presence in several countries including Angola, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Madagascar, Mali and Mozambique. This growing influence has attracted close attention from Western governments.
Togo imports grain from Russia and also relies on global fertiliser supplies, an area where Russia holds significant leverage as the world’s second largest producer after China and the leading exporter globally.
