On Wednesday evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Zafrani Zenzri and several African heads of state and government at the Kremlin. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, being held in Moscow. According to a statement from the Tunisian government, Prime Minister Zenzri attended a formal dinner hosted by President Putin in honor of the African leaders participating in the summit.

Prime Minister Zenzri is in Russia on a three-day official visit, from October 27 to 29, 2026, at the invitation of President Kais Saied. Her trip aims to participate in the third Russia-Africa Summit, which kicked off on October 28, 2026, in Moscow. The summit brings together leaders from across Africa to discuss cooperation and development between Russia and the continent.

The Russia-Africa Summit is a significant platform for dialogue and cooperation between Russia and African nations. This year's event has drawn high-level participation from across the continent, with leaders discussing areas of mutual interest, including politics, economy, and security. Tunisia's participation in the summit underscores the country's commitment to strengthening its ties with Russia and other African nations.

During her visit, Prime Minister Zenzri is expected to engage in bilateral talks with her Russian counterpart and other participating leaders. The talks are likely to focus on enhancing cooperation between Tunisia and Russia in various sectors, including trade, investment, and energy. Tunisia has been working to diversify its partnerships and strengthen its economic ties with countries around the world.

The third Russia-Africa Summit has been marked by a series of high-level meetings and events. The summit's agenda includes discussions on promoting economic cooperation, enhancing regional security, and addressing global challenges. The event has also featured a range of cultural and business activities, showcasing Russia's rich cultural heritage and its growing economic ties with Africa.

Prime Minister Zenzri's participation in the summit is part of Tunisia's broader efforts to engage with the international community and promote its interests abroad. The country has been actively seeking to strengthen its partnerships with countries in Africa, Europe, and beyond. Tunisia's engagement with Russia is seen as a key aspect of its foreign policy, aimed at promoting economic cooperation and mutual understanding.

The meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Zenzri highlights the growing ties between Russia and Tunisia. The two countries have been working to enhance their cooperation in recent years, with a focus on promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The Russia-Africa Summit provides a platform for leaders to discuss ways to deepen their cooperation and address common challenges.

Key points

  • Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Zafrani Zenzri meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other African leaders in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.