The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, is in Russia, where he is taking part in the inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held in Sochi.

The conference aims to strengthen cooperation between African countries and Russia in areas like politics, security, trade, energy, and the environment.

Other areas where cooperation will be sought are related to science, education, cultural, and humanitarian issues. 

This conference also considered implementing outcomes of the second Russia-Africa Summit that was held in St. Petersburg in July last year.

The ministry, in a statement, says Dr. Mushelenga is expected to highlight the need for peace, security, and international cooperation. 

He is also expected to address the need to reform global financial and economic institutions that have marginalised African countries. 

The minister will similarly address a panel discussion on geological exploration to further promote investments in the mining sector.

Before the conference, Mushelenga held a bilateral meeting with Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov. 

The two ministers expressed hope to deepen economic and trade ties for the benefit of both countries.