Putin pays tribute to Patrice Lumumba and defends the expansion of bilateral partnership with Congo During a meeting in Moscow with Felix Tshiskadi, Vladimir Putin emphasized the rapprochement between Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, classifying the African country as a reliable and promising partner. The Russian leader also mentioned the growth of bilateral trade and the possibility of expanding economic, scientific and technological cooperation. Putin also paid tribute to Patrice Lumumba, Congo's post-independence prime minister.