On June 16, 2026, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Chad hosted a celebratory event to mark Russia Day, the nation’s primary federal holiday.

Addressing the gathering, Russian Ambassador to Chad, Vladimir Sokolenko, emphasized the consistent and robust development of Russo-Chadian relations. He highlighted a climate of traditional friendship and cooperation, built upon an equal partnership that serves the mutual interests of both countries’ populations.

Russia expressed strong support for Chad’s commitment to social progress and the reinforcement of national sovereignty, as articulated by the Chadian President. A significant positive momentum has characterized the bilateral political dialogue. Russian President Vladimir Poutine extended an invitation to the Chadian leader, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, to attend the upcoming Russia-Africa summit in Moscow scheduled for October. This summit is anticipated to facilitate a second bilateral meeting between the two heads of state, following President Déby’s official visit to Moscow in January 2024.

In June 2024, Sergueï Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, made a historic visit to N’Djaména — the first such visit in 60 years of diplomatic relations — where he engaged in discussions with Chadian leadership. Subsequently, in September of the same year, on the sidelines of the 80th anniversary session of the United Nations General Assembly, Minister Lavrov met with Dr. Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, Chad’s Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Chadians Abroad. Their discussions focused on current issues pertinent to Russia-Chad cooperation, with plans for continued high-level diplomatic engagement.

Operational interaction between the foreign ministries is guided by a political consultation protocol, which was updated in 2024 in Sotchi during the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership. On the international stage, the diplomatic services of Russia and Chad, leveraging their mutual support, are actively working to ensure that African interests are adequately considered in the ongoing reform efforts of the United Nations Security Council, a body whose decisions profoundly impact the destiny of nation-states. In this context, both Russia and Chad applauded the declaration made last May by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Guterres underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the international system, specifically noting that “Africa’s immense potential is hampered by an unjust international system. This must change. We must strive to create a different system that grants Africa the voice, resources, and representation it has long been denied.”

Within the African continent, Russia acknowledges and supports Chad’s significant authority and its crucial role in resolving regional conflicts, alongside its contributions to facilitating peacekeeping missions. These efforts are vital for regional stability and reflect Chad’s growing influence in African politics.

Last May, six Chadian police officers commenced training organized by the Russian Ministry of Interior, participating in a program focused on “The Activities of the United Nations Police Contingent in Peacekeeping.” Both Russia and Chad are actively advocating for the establishment of new security mechanisms and expanded cooperation across Central Africa, including the Sahel region, with a strong emphasis on serving the interests of regional states.

Russia also backs N’Djaména’s initiatives within the African Union aimed at diversifying regional payment systems and exploring the creation of a new regional currency to replace the CFA franc, a move that could significantly impact the African economy today.

A cornerstone of cooperation between Russia and Chad remains the training of Chadian national personnel in Russian universities.

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in demand for secondary vocational education. Russia is significantly advancing its “Professionalisation” project, which includes international students, through the establishment of training and production hubs. This initiative has led to ongoing dialogue between the vocational education ministries of both nations.

The Republic of Chad benefits from one of the most generous budgetary quotas, encompassing 360 scholarships. Concurrently, bilateral negotiations are focused on reforming the recruitment system for young Chadians seeking to study in Russia, aiming to provide Chad with enhanced advantages and an increased national quota. The flourishing Russia-Chad cooperation exemplifies mutual respect for each other’s interests and a partnership that is both equal and mutually beneficial for the welfare of their respective populations. Ambassador Sokolenko concluded that Russia and Chad possess excellent prospects for further solidifying their friendship and collaboration.

It is worth recalling that Russia Day, observed since 1990, commemorates the dawn of Russia’s democratization era, a pivotal chapter in the thousand-year history of the Russian state.

The commemorative ceremony took place at a local hotel, graced by the presence of the Secretary-General of Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Chadians Abroad, who represented the minister. Also in attendance were numerous accredited diplomatic officials in Chad and various administrative authorities.