Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Senegal and Russia, as well as international developments and peace and security issues. According to the Senegalese presidency, Faye emphasized his country's commitment to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, in line with the UN Charter.
The meeting also touched on the election of the next UN Secretary-General, with former Senegalese President Macky Sall in attendance. Sall is Senegal's candidate for the position, which is currently held by António Guterres, whose term expires on December 31, 2026. Senegal officially announced its support for Sall's candidacy in July 2026, pledging to mobilize the government and diplomatic network to back his campaign.
The UN Security Council has been conducting informal consultations on the succession of Guterres, with three rounds of talks held in July, August, and September. However, no consensus has been reached on a candidate so far. The next UN Secretary-General will take office on January 1, 2027. The election process is ongoing, with several candidates vying for the top position.
The meeting between Faye and Lavrov reflects ongoing contacts between Dakar and Moscow. In November 2024, Faye had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss strengthening ties between the two countries. During the call, Putin extended an invitation to Faye to visit Russia, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations.
The discussions between Faye and Lavrov highlighted the importance of cooperation between Senegal and Russia on global issues. As a key player in West Africa, Senegal is working to strengthen its partnerships with major powers, including Russia. The two countries have a history of collaboration on international issues, and their dialogue is expected to continue in the coming months.
The UN leadership election is a critical process that will determine the future direction of the organization. With several candidates in the running, the outcome is uncertain. Senegal's support for Sall's candidacy is a significant development, and his chances of securing the position will depend on the outcome of the Security Council's consultations.
The meeting between Faye and Lavrov concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to strengthen ties between Senegal and Russia. The two leaders demonstrated their willingness to engage in open and constructive dialogue on global issues, and their discussions are expected to have a positive impact on the relationship between their countries.
Key points
- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and the upcoming UN Secretary-General election.
