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05.05.2015 Togo

Russia and Togo exchange congratulatory messages

By GNA
Russia and Togo exchange congratulatory messages
05.05.2015 LISTEN


(From Kester Kenn Klomegah, GNA Special Correspondent, Moscow)

Moscow, May 5, GNA - Strengthening political dialogue and economic cooperation and diplomatic relations between Russia and the Republic of Togo are the key focus in the exchange of congratulatory messages between Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov and State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Togo, Robert Dussey.

The message exchanged on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on Friday, both foreign ministers expressed their appreciation for the Russian-Togolese political dialogue and their willingness to continue working together to enhance the multifaceted cooperation.

Lavrov and Dussey further confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation on a wide range of international and regional agenda for peace and security on the African continent.

A senior researcher on foreign policy at the Institute of African Studies under the Russian Academy of Sciences told Ghana News Agency that the Republic of Togo had no official representative or embassy in the Russian Federation, but both sides could likely pick up issues such as bilateral cooperation, developing cooperation in spheres of economic and business, military-technology, education, tourism and culture.

He suggested that Russia and Togo had to encourage their private sectors to learn more from one another about investment opportunities in their respective countries which could be done by exchanging visits periodically and using other suitable platforms.

Togo pursues an active foreign policy and participates in many international organizations. It is particularly active in West African regional affairs and in the African Union (AU). Relations between Togo and neighbouring states are generally good.

Although Togo's foreign policy is nonaligned, it has strong historical and cultural ties with Western Europe, especially France and Germany. Togo recognizes the People's Republic of China, North Korea and Cuba. It re-established relations with Israel in 1987.

Official information available shows that diplomatic relations with the Republic of Togo were established during the Soviet days, on May 1, 1960.

In 1991, trade turnover between Russia and Togo was only US$12 million.

GNA

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