MOSCOW, October 31 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Eritrean leader Isaias Afwerki, who had arrived in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit, in the Kremlin on Friday, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.

The two nations maintain a regular political dialogue, including at the top level. Putin and Afwerki last met in July 2023 on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit. At that time, the Russian leader said relations between Russia and Eritrea are friendly and continue to develop on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

Eritrea has repeatedly acted as a consistent ally of Russia on the international stage, with the two countries’ positions on most key issues coinciding or being close. At the United Nations, Eritrea has voted against anti-Russian resolutions.

Promising areas for cooperation between Moscow and Asmara include the mining sector, energy, agriculture, and information technology. Collaboration is also expanding in the humanitarian sphere, with Eritrea showing a keen interest in having its personnel training in Russia.

Putin said Moscow values ​​Asmara’s support for Russian initiatives at international venues.

The third Russia-Africa summit and the associated economic and humanitarian forum took place in Moscow on October 28–29. RIA Novosti served as a media partner for the summit and the forum.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar