Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinese Affairs Abroad K.J.M. Traoré following talks, Ouagadougou, June 5, 2024

Question (retranslated from French): You are aware of the fact that Burkina Faso has terminated earlier concluded colonial agreements. What proposals can the Russian Federation make for our country to make progress?

Sergey Lavrov: We have long-standing relations with Burkina Faso. Our relations got a powerful boost from changes in your country and President Ibrahim Traoré assuming office.

Almost every day we get evidence - and President Traoré shared these assessments today - that after a mighty wave of political decolonisation of the African continent in the 20th century, colonial and neo-colonial practices in the economy are still alive.

Our relations with African countries have never been of a colonial nature. With President Ibrahim Traoré in office, we are now able to fully unlock the potential of mutually beneficial and equal cooperation across various areas, including the economy, social sphere, health care, education, and military and military-technical cooperation. These ties rely on equality and mutual benefit.

President Putin’s meeting with President Traoré in St Petersburg during the second Russia-Africa summit last year was particularly important as it opened up a whole new dimension to Russia’s relations with Burkina Faso. Yesterday and today, we discussed in detail the practical steps to implement these agreements as effectively as possible and outlined future steps.

Question (retranslated from French): My question concerns President Traoré-led war that Burkina Faso is waging against armed terrorists. What is Moscow’s take on our actions? Can we enlist the support of the Russian Federation in this war?

Sergey Lavrov: No, you cannot, because you already have it. Since the initial contacts were established between our countries after President Traoré and his team came to power, we have established close ties across all areas of cooperation, including military and military-technical ties.

Yesterday, Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Yunus-Bek Yevkurov was here on a regular visit. He regularly reviews practical challenges with his colleagues from Burkina Faso. Russian instructors work here. There will be more of them as we move forward. Concurrently, we provide training for the armed forces and law enforcement personnel of Burkina Faso in the Russian Federation. This type of partnership is very specific and highly advanced.

Without a doubt, this cooperation will help wipe out the remaining hotbeds of terrorism in Burkina Faso.

Question: The US media say Russia’s stronger presence in Africa will weaken US influence in the region. Is Moscow going to drive the Americans out of Africa?

Sergey Lavrov: The Americans have so far been unable to get rid of the syndrome of omnipotence and impunity, and I’m not sure if they ever will. They believe they can make claims all over the world. They tell the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and, of course, Europe what to do in the economy and politics. They also tell them they should cooperate with the United States against any country that Washington may consider as a competitor. They measure international relations by their own yardstick of who is for the United States and who is against it. That is why it does not concern us. Our relations with our African friends rely solely on mutual interest, benefit and full equality.

The West continues to play its zero-sum games and is unable to grasp the concept of equal interaction. It remains affected by the “bacillus” of colonialism and neo-colonialism that drives its relations with the Global Majority. They continue to see this relationship as an opportunity to live at the expense of others and to derive unilateral benefits.

Question (retranslated from French): When can we expect to see Russia-Burkina Faso cooperation in nuclear energy?

Sergey Lavrov: It has been announced that Mining and Energy Minister of Burkina Faso Yacouba Zabre Gouba is taking part in St Petersburg Economic Forum. Among other things, as President Traoré confirmed today, your Minister will meet with the top officials from Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation.

I believe that once held, these contacts will give you a full picture of the capabilities and competencies that the Russian Federation - the undisputed global leader in nuclear energy - possesses. Rosatom is willing to not only share its products, but also to help partner countries create a corresponding industry replete with technology, trained staff, and everything else that goes in it.  

Question (retranslated from French): This is your first visit to Burkina Faso. What are your impressions of the country, the people and the welcome extended to you? Can you say that you feel at home here?

Sergey Lavrov: With regard to my impressions of Burkina Faso, I have only seen the capital and a little bit of the suburbs on my way from the airport. They are beautiful. The country is growing and making progress. Seeing the expressions on people’s faces on the streets and their eye expressions, it is clear that this nation has opted for freedom and wants to be the master of its own destiny. I wish the same to everyone.