The Russian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr Igor Martynov, and the country’s Prime Minister, Mr Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, have discussed the possibility of launching a Russian communications satellite for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which comprises Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The discussion took place during a high-level meeting in Ouagadougou, attended by Russian cosmonaut Mr Alexander Gorbunov, according to a statement issued by the Russian diplomatic mission on January 22.
During the meeting, the parties explored prospects for cooperation in outer space exploration and the application of Russian space technologies in Burkina Faso. They also reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated action at United Nations platforms to counter the militarisation of outer space.
“A meeting took place between the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ouagadougou, Igor Martynov, and the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Rimtalba Ouédraogo, with the participation of Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov,” the statement said.
“Issues of Russian–Burkinabé cooperation, including the conclusion of an agreement on the launch of a Russian telecommunications satellite in the interests of AES countries, were discussed.”
As part of the engagement, Gorbunov presented Prime Minister Ouédraogo with the national flag of Burkina Faso, which had spent nearly six months aboard the International Space Station during his mission, symbolising growing ties between the two countries.
Earlier in January, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, also met with Ambassador Martynov, with discussions focused on strengthening the legal framework underpinning bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and Russia.
The talks reflect deepening cooperation between Russia and AES member states across diplomatic, technological and strategic sectors.
