During a meeting in Beijing on the sidelines of WWII anniversary events, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the Republic of the Congo as a “reliable, time-tested partner.” He emphasized Russia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Congo, particularly in education, highlighting the hundreds of Congolese students currently studying in Russia and expressing Moscow’s willingness to expand scholarship opportunities.
Putin stated that collaboration with Congo is a foreign policy priority for Russia in Africa. This sentiment was echoed by Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who described the relationship between the two countries as “excellent” and noted its ongoing development. This Beijing meeting marked the fourth in-person encounter between the two presidents, following previous meetings in St. Petersburg (2023), Moscow (2024), and earlier this year during WWII anniversary commemorations.
While trade between the two nations remains “stable but modest,” according to Putin, efforts are underway to boost economic cooperation. Experts estimate annual trade turnover between Russia and Congo at approximately $200 million. A significant development in this area is the recent ratification of an agreement between the two countries to construct an oil pipeline from Pointe-Noire to the country’s interior, a project hailed as “major” by President Sassou Nguesso. This pipeline project signifies a deepening of energy cooperation between Russia and Congo.
The strong relationship between Russia and Congo has deep historical roots, extending back to a friendship treaty signed in 1981 between Congo and the USSR, a treaty that remains in effect today. This historical connection underscores the long-standing nature of the partnership. The significant number of Congolese students studying in Russia, with around 250 receiving government scholarships annually, further demonstrates the depth of this relationship. The continued cooperation between these two nations highlights the growing importance of partnerships between Russia and African countries in the current geopolitical landscape.
