President Putin strives to expand Russia's circle of friends
La Dépêche newspaper commented that Russia is not isolated, and President Putin is actively seeking new allies in South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Russia is not isolated, and President Putin is actively seeking new allies, writes La Dépêche. The Kremlin is strengthening diplomatic ties in South America, Africa and the Middle East, and making new friends in Asian countries.
According to La Dépêche, after the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Putin seemed to be “isolated”: the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant, which restricted the Russian President’s ability to travel abroad. In search of new partners, President Putin turned to South America and Africa.
South America and Africa are where “American hegemony is criticized,” explains Francois Daucet, director of the Center for Russian, Caucasus and Central European Studies.
In late 2023, Moscow tried to expand its circle of traditional allies by developing economic ties with Iran. This diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East was facilitated by the fact that the Gulf countries maintain good relations with Russia - one of the important oil suppliers.
La Dépêche assessed that Russia has recently added North Korea to the Kremlin's list of friends - the country with which Russia has signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. During his visit to Pyongyang, President Putin expressed hope that the "fiery friendship" between the two countries will become even stronger.
