Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Equatorial Guinean President Theodore Obiang Ngoma Mbesogo on the sidelines of the 8th Forum of Gas Exporting Countries conference (Moscow, October 27, 2026) Vladimir Putin: I am very happy to see you again in Moscow. In recent years, we have met regularly, almost every year, and our meetings reflect the friendly and constructive nature of our relationship. Your presence in Moscow in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of our country's victory in the Great Patriotic War was particularly significant. This time, you arrived in the capital of Russia to participate in two major international events: the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and the Third Russia. Summit of Africa. The first of which we have already held today, and I want to express my gratitude for your active contribution. The coming days will be devoted to promoting the multifaceted partnership. I suggest that today we discuss bilateral and international issues and outline our next joint steps. We note the positive momentum in relations between Russia and Equatorial Guinea. The dialogue continues between our foreign ministries. The Russian Embassy in Malabo resumed its activities in 2024. Groups for cooperation with Equatorial Guinea operate in the State Duma and Federation Council, while a friendship group with Russia was established in Equatorial Guinea's Senate last year. Against this background, the commercial and economic cooperation is, of course, somewhat behind, and even a slight decrease was recorded. We hope that the establishment of an intergovernmental committee will help improve the situation. Also, I would like to note that our countries have considerable potential both to increase the mutual supply of in-demand goods and to implement promising investment projects, especially in the field of energy and mining.

Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Equatorial Guinean President Theodore Obiang Ngoma Mbesogo on the sidelines of the 8th Forum of Gas Exporting Countries conference (Moscow, October 27, 2026) Vladimir Putin: I am very happy to see you again in Moscow. In recent years, we have met regularly, almost every year, and our meetings reflect the friendly and constructive nature of our relationship. Your presence in Moscow in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of our country's victory in the Great Patriotic War was particularly significant. This time, you arrived in the capital of Russia to participate in two major international events: the summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and the Third Russia. Summit of Africa. The first of which we have already held today, and I want to express my gratitude for your active contribution. The coming days will be devoted to promoting the multifaceted partnership. I suggest that today we discuss bilateral and international issues and outline our next joint steps. We note the positive momentum in relations between Russia and Equatorial Guinea. The dialogue continues between our foreign ministries. The Russian Embassy in Malabo resumed its activities in 2024. Groups for cooperation with Equatorial Guinea operate in the State Duma and Federation Council, while a friendship group with Russia was established in Equatorial Guinea's Senate last year. Against this background, the commercial and economic cooperation is, of course, somewhat behind, and even a slight decrease was recorded. We hope that the establishment of an intergovernmental committee will help improve the situation. Also, I would like to note that our countries have considerable potential both to increase the mutual supply of in-demand goods and to implement promising investment projects, especially in the field of energy and mining.