Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Central African Republic (CAR) Faustin-Archange Touadera discussed in a telephone conversation the fight against terrorism, the Kremlin’s press office said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Russian president also confirmed Moscow’s readiness to continue assisting Bangui to strengthen security and the economy in the country.
"Both leaders exchanged views on regional issues, focusing on the fight against the terrorist threat and ensuring stability across the Central African Republic," the statement reads.
"The Russian side confirmed its willingness to continue assisting the CAR in enhancing the national economy, sovereignty, and security of the country," the statement continued.
"Faustin-Archange Touadera expressed gratitude for the comprehensive support provided by Russia," the Kremlin’s press office added.
Russia has been assisting the CAR in its fight against terrorism in central Africa, including the country’s participation in anti-terrorism operations. Russia also supports the development of local agriculture and manufacturing in the CAR.
Russian Ambassador to the CAR, Alexander Bikantov, told TASS earlier that Moscow and Bangui were in discussions about establishing a Russian military base in the Central African Republic.
Addressing the participants in the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia - Africa Partnership Forum on November 10 Russian President Putin said that Russia was set to provide all possible assistance to African countries across the board, including fighting against terrorism and resolving the food crisis.
The Russian president said at that time: "I would like to confirm that our country will continue to provide all possible assistance to African friends in various spheres — in ensuring sustainable development, combating terrorism and extremism, countering epidemic diseases, solving the food problem, and overcoming the consequences of natural disasters."
Earlier in the year, Faustin-Archange Touadera thanked Putin for grain shipments at the beginning of the year.
President Putin made a decision regarding the aid provision to the CAR and other African countries during the second Russia-Africa summit, which took place in Russia’s second-largest city of Saint Petersburg in 2023.
In January, Russian Ambassador to Bangui Bikantov told TASS that a shipment of 50,000 tons of food was delivered from Russia to CAR.
