The Russian Federation’s Embassy in Chad marked Russia Day on June 16, 2026, commemorating its principal national holiday.

During the celebratory event, Ambassador Vladimir Sokolenko emphasized the consistent and secure growth of Russian-Chadian relations. He highlighted the enduring friendship and traditional cooperation, which are founded on an equal partnership, benefiting the populations of both nations.

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

In June 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergueï Lavrov made a historic visit to N’Djaména—the first by a Russian Foreign Minister in 60 years of diplomatic relations—where he engaged in discussions with the country’s leadership. Subsequently, in September of the previous 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 aspects of Russian-Chadian cooperation, with plans for continued high-level diplomatic engagement.

Working interactions between the foreign ministries are guided by a protocol on political consultations, updated in 2024 in Sochi 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 African interests are considered in the reform efforts of the United Nations Security Council, which directly impacts decisions affecting sovereign states. In this context, both Russia and Chad welcomed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s statement last May. Guterres underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the international system, specifically noting that “the immense potential of Africa is being hindered 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 recognizes and supports Chad’s significant authority and its crucial role in resolving regional conflicts, alongside its contributions to facilitating peacekeeping missions. This engagement is vital for stability in the broader West Africa Sahel region.

Last May, six Chadian police officers commenced training organized by the Russian Ministry of Interior, focusing on “The activities of the United Nations police contingent in peacekeeping operations.” Russia and Chad are actively advocating for the establishment of new security mechanisms and expanded cooperation across Central Africa, including the Sahel, always prioritizing the interests of the region’s states.

Russia also backs N’Djaména’s initiatives within the African Union aimed at diversifying regional payment systems and introducing a new regional currency as an alternative to the CFA franc.

A primary area of ongoing cooperation between Russia and Chad involves the training of Chadian professionals at Russian universities.

Recently, there has been a considerable increase in demand for secondary vocational education. Russia is significantly expanding its “Professionalisation” project, which includes international students and involves the creation of training and production clusters. In light of this, a dialogue has been initiated between the vocational education ministries of both countries.

The Republic of Chad benefits from one of the highest budgetary quotas, providing 360 scholarships. Concurrently, bilateral negotiations are focused on reforming the system for recruiting young Chadians to study in Russia, with the aim of offering Chad greater advantages and increasing its national quota. The relationship between Russia and Chad exemplifies mutual respect for each other’s interests, fostering equal and mutually beneficial cooperation for the well-being of both peoples. The ambassador concluded by stating that Russia and Chad possess excellent prospects for further strengthening their friendship and collaboration.

It is worth recalling that Russia Day, observed since 1990, symbolizes the commencement of a period of democratization in Russian history, marking a significant milestone in the millennia-long history of the Russian state.

The celebration took place at a local hotel, attended by the Secretary-General of Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Chadians Abroad, who represented the Minister, alongside numerous diplomatic officials accredited to Chad and various administrative authorities.