MOSCOW, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Togo’s President of the Council of Ministers, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation across energy, transport, agriculture, education and trade during talks held on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on October 30, 2026.
Putin thanked Gnassingbe for his continued interest in strengthening relations with Russia and for participating in the summit, which he described as a successful gathering.
The Russian leader said Moscow valued the Togolese leadership’s commitment to developing bilateral relations, recalling that the two countries had held discussions in the Russian capital in November 2025 and continued engaging through other diplomatic platforms.
Russia and Togo have maintained diplomatic relations for 66 years, with both countries taking steps to strengthen their institutional and economic cooperation.
Putin noted that an important bilateral agreement, known as the Agreement on the Foundations of Relations, entered into force in September 2026, providing an updated framework for cooperation between the two countries.
Diplomatic representation has also received attention, with the Russian Embassy in Lomé resuming operations in August 2026. Preparations are currently underway for Togo to establish its embassy in Moscow.
On economic relations, Putin disclosed that bilateral trade between Russia and Togo reached US$852 million in 2025, while the two countries’ intergovernmental commission began its work in 2026.
He said the commission was expected to help identify new opportunities and accelerate mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in energy, transport and logistics, geological exploration and agriculture.
These sectors form part of Russia’s broader engagement with African countries as Moscow seeks to expand commercial partnerships and strengthen its economic presence across the continent.
Humanitarian and educational cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions.
Putin said interest among Togolese young people in pursuing higher education at Russian universities was increasing, with more than 900 Togolese nationals having received their education in Russia over the years.
More than 440 Togolese students are currently enrolled at Russian educational institutions.
The Russian government is also working towards establishing two partner Russian Houses in Lomé under the auspices of the Centre for Public Diplomacy. The proposed institutions are expected to provide additional opportunities for cultural engagement, educational exchanges and people-to-people cooperation.
Putin also thanked Togo for supporting Russian initiatives at the United Nations and other international platforms, saying Moscow appreciated Lomé’s position on matters of mutual interest.
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