Chad is moving closer to Russia after high level talks between Chadian Minister of State Dr. Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussions centered on visa exemptions, boosting trade and investment, and expanding cooperation in higher education an area both governments identified as a priority. More than 300 Chadian students are currently enrolled in Russian universities, and officials signaled that number could rise through new scholarships and exchange programs.
For Chad, the engagement underscores its strategy of diversifying international partnerships beyond its traditional ties with France and the West. For Russia, it marks another step in expanding its influence in Central Africa, where Moscow has already deepened security and economic ties with countries like the Central African Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Diplomats described the meeting as a step toward practical economic and cultural benefits, with follow-up agreements expected in trade and education. The talks come against the backdrop of shifting global geopolitics, where African states are increasingly seeking new partners to balance foreign influence and attract investment.
