You're reading: Lavrov thanks Angolan counterpart for understanding Russian stance on Ukraine

Moscow - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Angolan counterpart Georges Chikoti discussed Ukraine, and the situation in Africa and Middle East during a meeting on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

“When considering the situation in Ukraine, Lavrov thanked Angola for
understanding Russia’s principled stance,” the Russian Foreign Ministry
posted a statement on Tuesday.

On March 27 the UN General Assembly passed by a majority vote
resolution supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine proposed by
Kyiv. Representatives of 100 out of 193 UN General Assembly members
voted for it and 58 abstained. Eleven countries – Russia, Zimbabwe,
Armenia, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, China, Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria and
Venezuela – voted against the document. Angola was among the states that
abstained.

During the talks between Lavrov and Chikoti serious attention has
been paid to the situation on the African continent and Middle East, the
Russian Foreign Ministry said. “The Russian party has confirmed a line
for active assistance in resolving regional conflicts and crisis
situations and resolving social and economic problems of Africa,” the
statement said.

The parties have expressed mutual satisfaction with the dynamic in
diverse Russian-Angolan cooperation, the document said. The two
countries have emphasized interest in enhancing mutually beneficial
partnerships in developing Angola’s resources, in particular
hydrocarbons, and in energy, communications, fishing, transport,
education and other sectors, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

“The ministers have also expressed support for expanding the
contractual legal framework of relations and more active practical use
of agreements already existing. Lavrov and Chikoti have signed a
memorandum on mutual understanding between the Russian and Angolan
Foreign Ministries on political consultations,” the document said.