Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoko Embaló met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on February 26 to discuss strengthening economic ties between Russia and Africa. During the meeting, Putin highlighted a 10% increase in trade with the continent over the past year, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to expanding its economic influence in the region.
He noted the growing interest of Russian companies in the African market and expressed optimism about further developing trade relations with Guinea-Bissau.
The meeting also marked 52 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, with Putin acknowledging Embaló’s role in fostering cooperation, particularly through his participation in Russia-Africa summits.
Beyond trade, the discussions covered Guinea-Bissau’s upcoming elections and bilateral educational cooperation. Putin expressed support for Embaló, praising the relationship between the two countries as one based on “mutual respect and growing trust.” The leaders also agreed to increase the number of Bissau-Guinean students admitted to Russian universities, including both civilian and military institutions, reflecting the deepening partnership between Moscow and Bissau.
