Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his counterpart from Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, in Moscow on February 27, marking the latest effort by the Kremlin to expand its influence in Africa, particularly in resource-rich regions.

During the talks, the two leaders signed an agreement focused on the exploration of bauxite, phosphate, and hydrocarbon deposits in Guinea-Bissau, TASS reported. Russian aluminium giant Rusal also expressed interest in constructing a railway and a deep-water port in Buba to support mineral exports. The agreement further includes provisions for collaboration in education and fishing.

At the start of the meeting, both leaders reinforced long-standing diplomatic ties, according to an official readout published by the Kremlin. Putin noted that trade between Russia and Africa increased by 10% in the past year and called for deeper economic engagement.

The Russian president also expressed confidence in Embaló’s leadership, particularly in light of the upcoming elections in Guinea-Bissau, and commended his role in maintaining bilateral relations. In response, Embaló praised Putin and thanked him for “increasing quotas” for military personnel, police officers, and students studying in Russia.

In May 2024, Embaló was the highest-ranking African politician to attend Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, underlining his close ties with the Kremlin.

Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, has long experienced political instability, with opposition factions disputing Embaló’s mandate and repeatedly attempting to remove him from office.