Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has embarked on an African tour, reported by Russian media. The trip is aimed at implementing President Vladimir Putin's goal of a "multipolar world" – i.e., cooperation that bypasses the Western world.
The trip begins in Guinea-Conakry, a country rich in minerals and natural resources despite its poverty. The destination of Lavrov's journey after that is not confirmed, but there are reports of Tchad and Burkina Faso.
The old European colonial powers have seen their influence shrink in these parts of Africa over the past few years, while Russian interests have entered and started new cooperation agreements.
