Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s visit to Russia follows closely after a recent visit by Russia’s foreign affairs minister Sergei Lavrov to the central African country.

Sassou Nguesso is scheduled to have a meeting with Russian President Vladmir Putin.

The agenda for their discussions will cover topics such as the economy, trade, energy, and security cooperation.

This marks Sassou Nguesso’s second visit to Russia within a year. In July of last year, he attended the Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg.

Brazaville stands as one of Moscow’s strongest allies in Africa, with Russian companies having a presence in the country’s oil, mining, and military sectors.

Russia has been actively working to strengthen its relationships with African nations in response to western sanctions and isolation due to the conflict in Ukraine.

The majority of African countries have taken a neutral position on the conflict, advocating for a ceasefire and peace negotiations.