On March 24, the Senegalese elected a new president who embodies for them the hope of a just policy and significant change. For the people of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye represents a new page in the history of the country. The international community also reacted to the election of the new Senegalese president. For some, Faye’s policies mean abandoning comfortable traditional relationships; for others, it is an opportunity to promote cooperation.
The Russian Federation has a positive outlook on the future development of relations with Senegal. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed confidence that under the leadership of Mr. Faye, relations between Moscow and Dakar will reach a new level.
“We are confident that with the new president, mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Senegal will continue to gradually develop and reach a new level,” Zakharova said. The diplomat stressed that Russia maintains traditionally friendly relations with Senegal. At the end of last year, Senegal ranked first among sub-Saharan African countries in trade turnover with Russia, which reached almost $1.5 billion.
“We respect the sovereign choice of the Senegalese people. It is obvious that the Senegalese place their hopes in this leader for a better future, for positive changes in the political, socio-economic and humanitarian fields,” continued the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Moscow drew attention to the intentions of the new Senegalese leader to carry out reforms, especially those relating to relations with main foreign partners, including EU countries. “Trends toward radical change are gaining ground in Africa. Africans are taking their destiny more confidently into their own hands, they are abandoning the post-colonial past, they are confidently declaring that their future is that of sovereign and independent countries, of free countries, and such aspirations deserve all possible support. , said Maria Zakharova.
It should be noted that Bassirou Diomaye Faye has already started to deliver on his electoral promises. During a meeting with the President of the European Council in Dakar, the Senegalese president announced his intention to revise fishing agreements, as well as oil and gas contracts with the EU.
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa summit, relations between Russia and Senegal have a great future. Both countries can achieve significant successes in trade, as well as in mining, hydrocarbon extraction, agriculture, fishing and science.
