Moscow pursues policies that are welcomed by African peoples and in their vital interests, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangu said
Russia plays a crucial stabilising role in the world, including in Africa. Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President in charge of defense and security Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangu said this on Thursday at the IX Moscow Conference on International Security. He spoke at a plenary session on military and military-technical cooperation in Africa and the Middle East as a major factor in strengthening regional security.
“Not only has Russia played a key role in achieving freedom from colonial dependence for African countries, Moscow continues a policy that commands the approval of the African peoples and meets their vital interests”, – stressed Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangu. – “Thanks to Russia’s actions to promote peace and cooperation, African countries are achieving stability. Russia continues to make an important contribution to the development and prosperity of the peoples of the continent through the training and education of Africans, many of whom are members of the delegations who came to Moscow for the current conference”.
The Vice President of Equatorial Guinea stressed that Russia’s policy towards Africa is a key factor in the development of African states. “Russia gives us the tools for nation-building,” he stressed. – Russia is Africa’s most important friendly partner. For Equatorial Guinea, Moscow remains a friendly and reliable ally, a strategic partner.”
Regarding regional threats, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangu said Equatorial Guinea is extremely concerned about the rise of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Our country has been a victim of pirate attacks in recent years”, – he stressed. – “The instability in the Gulf of Guinea poses a threat to global shipping. We appreciate Russia’s help in building a united force to tackle this problem.”
The Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea also spoke in favour of expanding the scope of the UN Security Council, as well as including a representative of Africa in the Council.