Senegal seeks to step up cooperation with Russia

Dakar, May 4 (IANS/MAP) Senegal intends to develop and intensify cooperation with the Russian Federation, said Foreign Minister Mankeur Ndiaye after meeting Russia's deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in the capital Dakar.

"This visit by Bogdanov is a way of preparing the official visit that Macky Sall (President) intends to make to Russia," said Ndiaye, without specifying the date of the President's visit.

"We can expect several agreements. Work camps are open and this allows us to prepare the visit of the Prime Minister and the President to Russia... we do not have a date yet," said Ndiaye.

The Foreign Minister said that Senegal wants to diversify economic cooperation with Russia in strategic sectors such as oil and gas, according to the report on Thursday.

"Senegal has discovered oil and President Macky Sall is willing to diversify partnerships in this field," he said.

--IANS

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