Russian deputy foreign minister meets with Eritrean leader
MOSCOW. Jan 29 (Interfax) - Eritrea wishes to develop political and economic relations with Russia.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with Eritrean President Isaias Afworki in Asmara on Monday during his working trip to Horn of Africa countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports.
"While discussing the status and prospects of Russian-Eritrean relations, Isaias Afworki confirmed the interest of Asmara in mounting trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation and intensifying the political dialogue, primarily on peace and security on the African continent," says the report posted on the ministry's website.
"In the detailed and frank conversation, the Eritrean leader lauded the consistent and principled position of Russia on topical international and regional problems, including efficient assistance to African states in the provision of their sustainable socioeconomic development," the report said.
On the same day, Bogdanov met with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed and handed over a personal message from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.