Russian president Vladimir Putin has hosted his Guinea-Bissau counterpart, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, in a pivotal meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, focusing particularly on military cooperation, as well as trade, energy, and diplomatic ties.
The discussions, held on 26 February 2025, centered on military education, rare earth minerals, and infrastructure development in Guinea-Bissau. This partnership highlights Russia’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Africa, focusing on trade, military cooperation, and energy resources. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to increase educational opportunities for Guinea-Bissau students, particularly in military institutions. Putin confirmed the allocation of additional places for Guinean students at Russian military colleges, emphasizing the importance of education in strengthening ties. Over 5,000 specialists from Guinea-Bissau have already been trained in Russia, with the new quota raising the number of students to 75 annually.
The two leaders also discussed collaboration on Guinea-Bissau’s natural resources, specifically rare earth metals, which are crucial for global technology and energy industries. Russia’s involvement in mining ventures, including bauxite and oil exploration, is expected to boost the country’s economic growth. Russian aluminum company Rusal has already secured a significant bauxite concession in Guinea-Bissau, marking a key development in the region’s mining sector. This visit underscores Russia’s increasing engagement with Africa, as Moscow seeks to position itself as a key partner for resource-rich nations. Through strategic educational and industrial partnerships, Russia aims to solidify its long-term influence across the continent, particularly in the realms of natural resources and military training.
