Togolese media heads welcome Russian president's interview with Xinhua

Togolese media heads on Thursday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent interview with Xinhua, as Russia and China enhance their bilateral cooperation.

Anoumou Kate-Aziaglo, editor of Togo's national daily newspaper Togo-Presse, described the interview as a "useful interview on the current situation of the whole world and of a giant neighbor China."

He said the enhancement of Russia-China cooperation, including the "Belt and Road" initiative, is likely to positively impact the win-win cooperation between China and Africa.

"I must encourage Russian and Chinese leaders for their initiative that is expected to have positive impact on international relations," said Claudine Akakpo, director of Togo's national news agency ATOP.

She believed Africa will be a beneficiary of this kind of Russia-China cooperation that can leverage development in the continent.

"As President Putin is gearing to pay a state visit to China, it fits that Xinhua has his point of views on bilateral issues as well as on international concerns," said Desire Komou, managing editor of the International Radio-Lome.

He told Xinhua that Putin's visit to China as part of cooperation strengthening policy is welcomed at a moment when the world is evolved in the "struggle of ideas".

"One must salute the enhancement of Russia and China, two stabilizer role playing countries, which work toward mutual confidence development," Komou said.

He pointed out that talks between Russian and Chinese leaders will be a good thing for global peace, as Russia and China act as counterpoise regarding the policies of other world powers.

Komou believed that the "Belt and Road" initiative, which brings closer Russia and China, "bears significant interest for the African continent, even though every country has its own interest."

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt that links China with Europe through Central and Western Asia by inland routes, and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road connecting China with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe by sea routes.

In an hour-long exclusive interview with Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao earlier this month in St. Petersburg, Putin spoke highly of bilateral interaction between Russia and China within broader frameworks, saying Moscow-Beijing cooperation is a world stabilizing factor. Endi