Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with the leaders of Mozambique, Libya and Equatorial Guinea in Moscow on Tuesday, as Russia sought to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation with African countries attending the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). During his meeting with Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo, Putin praised cooperation between the two countries at international organizations, particularly the United Nations. He also commended Maputo for supporting several Russian initiatives and opposing actions Moscow describes as anti-Russian. Russia and Mozambique have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation spanning energy, security and economic development. Their latest discussions underline Moscow’s interest in maintaining partnerships across Africa amid strained relations with Western governments.
Putin also highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation with Libya, pointing to continued growth in bilateral trade despite international political and economic challenges. He referred to an April meeting in Moscow of the co-chairs of the Russian-Libyan joint intergovernmental commission and said Russia wanted to restore the body’s activities fully. Moscow and Tripoli marked 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, although Libya’s political divisions and security challenges continue to complicate international partnerships. The Russian president also met Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, thanking him for bilateral cooperation and welcoming him to Moscow. The discussions reflected both countries’ interest in maintaining political and economic relations.
The meetings took place alongside the GECF, an intergovernmental organization that brings together major natural gas-producing countries to discuss energy cooperation, market developments and the role of natural gas in global energy security. The forum’s members collectively account for a substantial share of the world’s proven natural gas reserves and production, giving it an important role in international energy discussions. The African leaders’ meetings with Putin highlight Moscow’s continuing diplomatic engagement with the continent, particularly in energy-producing countries, as governments pursue trade, investment and cooperation in an increasingly competitive global environment.
