African countries need the opening of new maritime routes between Africa and Russia, including through Togo's ports, stated Togo's Minister Delegate for Maritime Economy, Edem Kokou Tengué, at the opening of the first International Transport and Logistics Forum.
"New lines need to be opened with Russia because Africa depends on chemical fertilizers produced in Russia, as well as grains also produced in Russia. We believe that the opening of new maritime routes, new routes between Africa and Russia, can pass through the port of Lomé," Tengué said, as quoted by TASS.
The Togolese representative also added that maritime routes between Russia and Lomé could serve as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which is under blockade by Iran amid the escalation in the Middle East.
The International Transport and Logistics Forum is taking place from April 1 to 3 in St. Petersburg. Its main objectives are the development of international transport corridors and the strengthening of integration among meeting participants. The forum is organized by the Russian Ministry of Transport with the support of the Russian government, and the event operator is the Roscongress Foundation.
