Putin sparks intrigue with unannounced international call
The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, informed participants at the Strategic Initiatives Agency (ASI) meeting that he needed to step away briefly to conduct an "international call."
"I apologize in advance, as I need to make an international phone call, so during the report, I will have to step away from the screen for about five minutes. (...) I'll complete the call and then return to my workspace," said Putin, interrupting ASI head Svetlana Chupsheva's speech.
He did not specify with whom he would be speaking.
Peskov: It's not that call
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had announced such a call.
"During the day, we expect an international phone call from the president. We will keep you informed. Let me say right away, it's not that call, but it's equally important for us," he said, referring to the anticipated call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Later, it was revealed that the President of Russia had a phone conversation with his counterpart from Guinea-Bissau, Umaru Sissoco Embaló.
Putin writes off debt
The Kremlin's press office reported that the leaders discussed expanding partnerships in trade, economy, investment, and humanitarian cooperation, and agreed to continue their personal dialogue.
In December, Putin noted that Africa is "spiritually" close to Russia despite the geographical distance. Russia "shares much" with the peoples of Africa and "has never been divided" from them, he stated during the "Russia Calling!" forum. He added that the African continent has very good development prospects, and expanding Russia's cooperation with Africa is a "natural process."
In May 2024, Putin wrote off Guinea-Bissau’s debt of approximately CAD 38 million.
