Putin signs investment deal with Republic of the Congo in Africa talks

Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Kenya at the Kremlin as part of the Russia-Africa Summit. Investment, energy, trade, infrastructure, education and diplomatic cooperation featured prominently in the talks, and an investment agreement was signed with the Republic of the Congo.

In bilateral meetings held by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin as part of the Russia-Africa Summit, the development of economic and diplomatic cooperation with African countries was discussed. Putin met separately with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto.

Investment agreement with the Republic of the Congo

Speaking with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Putin said that political dialogue, as well as trade and bilateral relations, had been developing. Putin said cooperation in the scientific, technical and humanitarian fields had been strengthened and announced that an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments had been signed.

The two countries also signed a comprehensive cooperation plan covering the 2026-2028 period. Putin noted that 863 students from the Republic of the Congo were studying at educational institutions in Russia.

Sassou-Nguesso thanked Russia for hosting the summit and said that the agreements reached needed to be implemented. The Congolese leader listed infrastructure, the economy, energy, cultural exchanges and human resource development among the priority areas of cooperation.

Burundi seeks fertilizer and infrastructure support

During his meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Putin thanked his counterpart for contributing to the successful organization of the summit. He said Russia's relations with the African Union under Ndayishimiye's leadership had been developing.

A moment from Putin's meeting with African leaders

Putin reiterated his support for Burundi's goal of full participation in the G20. He also congratulated Ndayishimiye on being awarded an honorary doctorate by Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

Ndayishimiye thanked Russia for its support for African countries and for strengthening their position in the international arena. The Burundian leader said his country was interested in cooperation on investment and technology, as well as the development of transport, energy and digital infrastructure.

Ndayishimiye also asked Russia for assistance in supplying chemical fertilizers and for support for the country's institutions. He made the request at a time when external threats persisted and the situation in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo was difficult.

Trade with Kenya nearly doubles

During his meeting with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, Putin said political dialogue and trade and economic relations had advanced. Putin said trade between the two countries had nearly doubled from January to August, highlighting the increase in Russia's shipments of agricultural products and the development of cultural and humanitarian ties.

Putin said educational opportunities for Kenyan students had been expanded and that 70 scholarships had been allocated for them to study in civilian fields next year. He said Moscow and Nairobi held similar positions on several international issues, including strengthening the central role of the United Nations and complying with the UN Charter.

A moment from the meetings in Moscow

Ruto thanked Russia for hosting him and organizing the summit. The Kenyan president said diplomatic relations between the two countries had been established in 1963 and that Russia was the second country in the world to recognize Kenya's independence.

Ruto also said that a national infrastructure development fund recently established in Kenya could enable public- and private-sector investment in the construction of airports, the development of the Port of Mombasa and the construction of roads and railways. The Kenyan leader proposed exploring opportunities for cooperation in fertilizer production with the participation of Russian companies.

Diversifying economic ties with Namibia

Putin congratulated Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on her birthday and pointed to positive developments in relations between the two countries. He said trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Namibia should be further developed and economic ties diversified.

Putin said trade and economic relations were growing, but that the overall volume remained limited. He identified mining, agriculture, fishing and information and communications technology as prominent areas for cooperation.

The Russian president highlighted the development of cultural and educational ties, as well as cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. Putin also stressed the importance of creating suitable conditions for mutual payments.