Lavrov Slams Macron's Concerns over Russia-Africa Ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's statements about the expansion of African countries' ties with Moscow, describing his concerns as "insulting".

Following the SCO Foreign Ministers Council meeting, Lavrov told reporters on Friday that more ethical statements could have been expected from the French side.

https://twitter.com/AZmilitary1/status/1552967526878945280

"As for President Macron and his statements, indeed, in general, one would expect more ethical statements from the French," he said.

"Because he said, if I remember correctly, roughly the following: that he was concerned about Russia's military and diplomatic activity in Africa and that he would not even call it cooperation, but support for absolutely failed, non-legitimate regimes and juntas."

"Well, in general, if you look at the list of countries we visited in Africa if he reacted to it, it was quite insulting for African states that continue, despite everything, to consistently develop relations with the Russian Federation," Lavrov explained.

Earlier, Macron voiced concern over Russia's increasing diplomatic and military contacts in Africa, mentioning the opening of new bureaus of the Russian news agency Sputnik and the RT TV channel in Africa.