Putin defends the expansion of economic cooperation between Russia and Eritrea Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Friday (30) with the President of Eritrea, Isias Afwerki, during the Russia-Africa summit. At the meeting, Putin defended steps to expand trade and strengthen economic relations between the two countries. The Russian leader pointed to opportunities for partnership in sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries. He also emphasized the cooperation to strengthen Eritrea's food security. Putin also thanked Asmara for supporting Russian initiatives at the UN and other international forums, emphasizing that the two countries share positions on various issues on the global agenda.