Russian-Guinean trade grows 2.2 times in a year - Putin
STRELNA (Leningrad region). June 16 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised to support Russian companies willing to enter Guinea's market and invest in its economy.
"Russian companies are already working on the Guinean market. We know about the interest of other Russian producers to master the market of your country and invest in it," Putin said at a meeting with Guinean President Alpha Conde on Thursday.
"We will support and assist the implementation of these plans," he said.
In general, Putin noted a positive nature of Russian-Guinean relations and pointed at the growth trends of bilateral economic ties.
Russian-Guinean trade grew 2.2 times last year, Putin said.
Putin also called Guinea an old and secure Russia's partner in Africa.
In turn, Conde said he hoped for the further development of Guinean-Russian relations, and for the arrival of Russian companies on the Guinean market.
Rusal is the engine of development of Guinean-Russian economic relations, Conde said, adding that he hopes Rusal as the engine will bring other carriages to Guinea.
Guinea could also become an entry point to Western Africa for Russia, he said.
Guinea and Russia are currently working on a large number of various documents, Conde said.