Putin's unexpected call: Focus shifts to Guinea-Bissau ties
Russian leader Vladimir Putin informed participants of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) meeting that he needed to step away momentarily to make an "international call".
"I apologise in advance; there is a necessity to make an international phone call, so during the report, I will have to step away from the screen for about five minutes. (...) I will take the call and return to my workspace," said Putin, interrupting the presentation of ASI head Svetlana Chupsheva.
He did not specify whom he would be speaking with.
Peskov: This is not that call
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had announced such a call.
"During the day, we expect an international phone call from the president. We will keep you informed. I'll say straight away it’s not that conversation, but equally important for us," he said, referring to the anticipated conversation with the U.S. President Donald Trump.
Later, it transpired that the President of Russia had a phone call with his counterpart from Guinea-Bissau, Umaru Sissoco Embaló.
Putin writes off debt
The Kremlin's press office announced that the leaders discussed expanding partnerships in trade, economy, investment, and humanitarian cooperation, and agreed to continue their personal dialogue.
In December, Putin said that Africa is close to Russia "spiritually" despite the geographical distance. Russia "shares much" with African nations and "nothing has ever divided us," he remarked during the "Russia Calls!" forum. He added that the African continent has very good development prospects, and expanding Russia's cooperation with Africa is a "natural process".
In May 2024, Putin wrote off Guinea-Bissau's debt of $26.7 (€25.6) million.
