Question (translated from French): You know that Burkina Faso has broken up previous colonial agreements. What proposals can the Russian Federation make to it so that our country can develop?
Sergey V. Lavrov: We have a long-standing relationship with Burkina Faso. After the changes took place here and President I. Traore came to power, our relations received a powerful positive impetus.
Almost every day, we are convinced and President I. Traore today shared such assessments that after the powerful wave of political decolonization of the African continent in economic terms took place in the 20th century (colonial, neocolonial practices are still tenacious).
Our relations with African countries have never been of a colonial nature. Therefore, with the arrival of President I. Traore, we were able to fully unleash (and continue to do so) the potential of mutually beneficial and equal cooperation in various fields, including the economy, social sphere, healthcare, education, military and military-technical cooperation. These ties are built on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
Last year’s meeting was of particular importance for giving our modern relations with Burkina Faso a qualitatively new character Presidents of Russia and Burkina Faso V.V. Putin and I. Traore in St. Petersburg during the second summit Russia-Africa. Yesterday and today we discussed in detail how, in practical terms, these agreements are being implemented as effectively as possible and what remains to be done.
Question (translated from French): The question concerns the war that Burkina Faso is waging against armed terrorists. It is headed by President I. Traore. What is Moscow’s assessment of our actions? Can we enlist the support of the Russian Federation in this war?
Sergey V. Lavrov: You can’t. You already have this support. Since the first contacts between our countries after President Igor Traore and his team came to power, we have been closely engaged in all areas of cooperation, including the development of military and military-technical ties.
Yesterday, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Yu.-B.B.Yevkurov was here on a regular visit. He regularly reviews practical tasks with colleagues from Burkina Faso. Russian instructors work here. Their number will increase. In parallel, we are training representatives of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies of Burkina Faso in the Russian Federation. This type of our partnership is very specific and highly advanced.
I have no doubt that thanks to this cooperation, the pockets of terrorism remaining on the territory of Burkina Faso will be destroyed.
Question: The American press assures that the strengthening of Russia’s position in Africa will lead to a weakening of US influence in this region. Is Moscow really going to oust Americans from Africa?
Sergey V. Lavrov: Americans cannot get rid of the syndrome of omnipotence and permissiveness in any way (it is unknown if they will ever get rid of it). They consider themselves entitled to make their claims all over the world. They tell the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and, of course, Europe how to act in economics and politics, how they should cooperate with the United States against any competitor that Washington deems such. They measure all international relations by their “yardstick”: who is for the United States and who is against them. Therefore, this does not concern us. Our relations with our African friends are developing solely on the basis of mutual interest, benefit and full equality.
The West is still playing “zero-sum games.” He is unable to comprehend equal interaction. He is still sick of the “bacillus” of colonialism and neocolonialism, which drives him in his relations with the Global Majority. These relationships are still seen as an opportunity to live at the expense of others, to extract unilateral advantages.
Question (translated from French): When can we expect cooperation between Russia and Burkina Faso in the field of nuclear energy?
Sergey V. Lavrov: It has already been announced that the Minister of Energy of Burkina Faso, Ya.Z.Guba, is now participating in the events St. Petersburg Economic Forum. In particular, as President Igor Traore confirmed today, your minister has scheduled meetings with the leadership of our state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom.
I think as a result of these contacts, you will get a complete picture of the capabilities and competencies that the Russian Federation has – the undisputed leader of nuclear energy at the global level. This corporation is ready to share not only its products, but also to create an appropriate industry in partner countries, including technologies, personnel, and everything that is required for this.
Question (translated from French): This is your first visit to Burkina Faso. What are your feelings about the country, the people and the reception you received? Is it possible to say that you feel at home here?
Sergey V. Lavrov: As for my impressions of Burkina Faso. So far, I’ve only seen the capital and a little bit of the surrounding area on the way from the airport. They are beautiful. The country is growing and developing. Judging by the faces and looks of the people on the street, these people have chosen freedom and want to remain the master of their fate. Which is what I wish for everyone.
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