A Russian diplomatic delegation, led by interim chargé d'affaires Alexeï Buriak and cooperation attaché Zakharova Elizaveta, visited Comoros from September 8-12 to discuss various bilateral issues and explore new opportunities for cooperation. The visit included meetings with Comorian officials and participation in events aimed at strengthening exchanges between the two nations. During their stay, the Russian delegation also oversaw the organization of Russian elections on Comorian soil, allowing Russian citizens residing in the archipelago to participate in the election of State Duma deputies.
The Russian delegation met with Comorian Foreign Minister Mbae Mohamed to discuss several bilateral agenda items, with a focus on the upcoming opening of the Russian Embassy in Comoros. According to Russian diplomats, a new Russian ambassador with residence in Moroni is expected to arrive in early October, accompanied by a technical team at the end of September. This diplomatic representation is expected to intensify institutional contacts and facilitate the implementation of new cooperation projects.
The talks also covered Comoros' participation in the third Russia-Africa Summit, which will allow Moroni to further its dialogue with Moscow within the framework of the Russia-African partnership. Buriak also met with government secretary-general Nour El Fath Azali to discuss the state of bilateral relations, their development prospects, and the next steps in strengthening contacts between the two countries.
Cooperation between Russia and Comoros extends to the digital domain, with discussions focusing on a memorandum related to cooperation in computer security, previously signed by the two governments. Particular attention was paid to professional training, competency development, and combating cybercrime. The Comorian side proposed studying the possibility of developing a document on training Comorian trainers in this sector.
The Russian delegation's visit also featured cultural and historical initiatives, including the inauguration of an exhibition titled "The Gold of Crimea: A Stolen Collection" at the Comruss platform in Moroni. The exhibition showcases archaeological artifacts discovered in Crimea. Additionally, Nassir Houssen Zahir Mamod, president of Comruss, was awarded an insignia by the Russian chargé d'affaires for his contribution to international cooperation.
The strengthening of bilateral ties between Comoros and Russia also involves the electoral process. Russian citizens residing in Comoros participated in the election of State Duma deputies at a polling station set up at the Al Camar Lodge hotel, located 40 kilometers from Moroni. This marked the first time that Russian elections had been organized on Comorian soil since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The visit by the Russian delegation has marked a significant milestone in the development of Comoros-Russia relations, with both sides expressing their commitment to further enhancing cooperation in various fields. The new Russian embassy in Comoros is expected to play a key role in facilitating this cooperation and strengthening institutional contacts between the two nations.
Key points
- - Strengthening bilateral cooperation between Comoros and Russia - Opening of the Russian Embassy in Comoros - Enhancing cooperation in digital and electoral domains
