Lomé, 20 November 2025-(©AfreePress)- On an official visit to Moscow, the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, was received on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at the Kremlin by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The meeting, held in the prestigious Green Hall, marks a decisive step in strengthening the partnership between Lomé and Moscow, reflecting a more structured, ambitious and results-oriented dialogue.
Following the talks, Faure Gnassingbé expressed his gratitude to his host :
“I warmly thank Vladimir Putin for his invitation and for the hospitality extended to me and to the delegation accompanying me. We had a candid, respectful and highly constructive discussion.”
The composition of the Russian delegation underscored the strategic weight of the meeting. Present alongside President Putin were Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Presidential Advisor Yuri Ushakov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and PSB Bank Chairman Pyotr Fradkov.
Discussions covered the main pillars of bilateral cooperation: diplomacy, economy, trade, agriculture, energy and regional security. Vladimir Putin praised Togo’s stabilising role in West Africa, noting that “the entire region suffers from the threat of terrorism” and stressing the need for enhanced coordination to confront this shared challenge. Faure Gnassingbé, in turn, expressed gratitude for Russia’s support to the Alliance of Sahel States in combating terrorist groups operating in West Africa.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic missions until now, relations between Russia and Togo have been steadily progressing. President Putin confirmed that Russia will open an embassy in Lomé next year, paving the way for the establishment of an intergovernmental commission designed to deepen and structure sector-specific partnerships.
Faure Gnassingbé reaffirmed Togo’s commitment to building a partnership based on “trust, sovereignty and mutual benefit,” highlighting the shared ambition to pursue a balanced, results-driven cooperation serving development, stability and opportunities for both nations.
In a rapidly shifting international landscape, this official visit opens a new phase in the relations between Lomé and Moscow. It confirms the determination of both countries to develop a lasting strategic partnership anchored in a shared vision of sovereignty, security and sustainable development.
Oivier A.
