The first session of the Togo-Russia Intergovernmental Commission concluded on October 1, 2026, in Lomé, with the signing of a protocol and a memorandum of understanding on cultural heritage. The meeting, co-chaired by Togo's Minister of Economy and Strategic Monitoring, Badanam Patoki, and Russia's Minister of Energy, Sergey Tsvilev, aimed to give concrete content to bilateral cooperation. The session built on the two countries' desire to intensify economic and commercial exchanges and expand cooperation to various sectors.
The three-day meeting, held from September 29 to October 1, 2026, examined several matters of common interest to give substance to cooperation between Lomé and Moscow. The commission discussed ways to transform discussions into concrete projects, focusing on commercial, economic, industrial, energy, agricultural, scientific, educational, technological, and transportation sectors. Both parties expressed their commitment to consolidating a mutually beneficial partnership.
During the talks, the two sides identified several draft agreements to finalize, including promotion and protection of investments, customs cooperation, trade, education, agriculture, energy, science, innovation, culture, employment, information technology, communication, and transportation. They agreed to hold the second session of the Russian-Togolese Intergovernmental Commission in Moscow in 2028, with dates to be determined later through diplomatic channels.
The protocol and memorandum were signed by the respective ministers. Badanam Patoki and Sergey Tsvilev signed the protocol, while Togo's Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Isaac Tchiakpé, and Director of the Center for Archaeology and Academy of the Russian Federation, Natalia Saloveva, signed the memorandum. The memorandum aims to enhance student mobility and promote the Russian language and culture.
The Togo-Russia Intergovernmental Commission was established following a meeting between Togo's President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé and Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 19, 2025, at the Kremlin. The two leaders confirmed their strong desire to strengthen relations between their countries and instructed the establishment of the commission.
The agreements reflect the two countries' commitment to deepening their cooperation. The commission's sessions will facilitate the implementation of joint projects and enhance bilateral ties. Togo and Russia have maintained excellent relations since 1960, and the recent agreements are expected to further solidify their partnership.
The second session of the commission will be held in Moscow in 2028, providing an opportunity for both countries to review progress and discuss new initiatives. The agreements signed in Lomé mark a significant step in Togo-Russia relations, with potential for growth in various sectors.
Key points
- Togo and Russia sign protocol and memorandum to strengthen bilateral cooperation
- The agreements aim to enhance cooperation in cultural heritage, education, and various economic sectors
- The second session of the Togo-Russia Intergovernmental Commission will be held in Moscow in 2028
