Russia interested in logistics potential of Massawa port in Eritrea - Lavrov
MASSAWA, Eritrea. Jan 27 (Interfax) - The Massawa port in Eritrea draws Russia's interest due to its transit capabilities, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, adding that it is important to take advantage of the port's logistics potential.
"Among the far-reaching plans that have yet to be explored in detail, I'd mention the possibility of using the logistics potential of the Massawa port and the airport. The Massawa port is interesting from the point of view of its transit capabilities," Lavrov said at a press conference during a visit to Eritrea.
"Both of our countries are interested in enhancing trade and economic cooperation. We have agreed to take steps via intergovernmental channels to set up a mechanism of consultations between the relevant agencies, which will discuss economic, trade and investment issues. In parallel, we will encourage direct contacts between business communities, which are interested in pursuing joint projects, including in the mining sector, energy, agriculture, and information and telecommunication technologies," he said.
Simultaneously, the sides will consider "concrete steps that will help protect Russia-Eritrea cooperation from Western sanctions," Lavrov said.