---
title: "Putin to meet Togo's president in the Kremlin"
description: "Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Togo's president, Faure Gnassingbe, in the Kremlin on Wednesday for talks that will focus on developing ties between Moscow and the tiny phosphate-producing country on the West African coast."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-11-19-putin-to-meet-togos-president-in-the-kremlin/"
published: "2025-11-19T12:29:44"
updated: "2025-11-19T12:29:45"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 116
---

# Putin to meet Togo's president in the Kremlin

> Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Togo's president, Faure Gnassingbe, in the Kremlin on Wednesday for talks that will focus on developing ties between Moscow and the tiny phosphate-producing country on the West African coast.

By Reuters · Published 19 November 2025, 14:29 SAST · Updated 19 November 2025, 14:29 SAST

## Key points
- In a diplomatic tango that could make even the most seasoned waltzers dizzy, Togo's long-reigning Gnassingbe is off to Russia for a cozy chat with Putin about everything from grain to good vibes, while Western powers nervously eye Moscow's growing influence in Africa like a cat watching a mouse hole.
- Togo's President Gnassingbe, from a ruling family since 1967, is set to meet Putin in Russia to enhance bilateral ties.
- The discussions will focus on cooperation in diplomacy, economy, trade, agriculture, energy, training, and food security.
- Russia's expanding influence in Africa raises concerns among Western nations, with notable presence in countries like Mali and Libya.
- As a major grain and fertiliser exporter, Russia plays a crucial role in Togo's agricultural sector.

## Content

Gnassingbe, whose family has ruled Togo since 1967, was invited to visit Russia by Putin, Togo said in a statement.

"Their Excellencies will hold a one-on-one meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of diplomacy, economy, trade, agriculture, energy, training, and food security," it said.

Russia's growing clout in Africa, including in countries such as Angola, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Madagascar, Mali and Mozambique, is viewed with concern by Western European states and the United States.

Russia sells grain to Togo. Russia is the world's second-largest fertiliser producer behind China and the largest global exporter of fertiliser.

(Reporting by Noel Kokou Tadegnon in Lome and Moscow bureau; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)