Moscow: The Russian news agency TASS has announced plans to establish offices throughout Africa. The Director General of TASS, Andrei Kondrashov, revealed the media outlet's ambitions during a press conference in Moscow, highlighting the intention to foster direct information exchange with African counterparts. According to Burkina Information Agency, Kondrashov emphasized the importance of reclaiming the presence once held by the Soviet Union, which had correspondent offices in every African country. He stressed the necessity of establishing direct information channels to avoid reliance on third-party agencies and to prevent any external influence that might create discord between Russia and African nations. Tatiana Dovgalenko, director of the Department of Partnership with Africa at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that Russia supports the sovereignty of African countries through various sectors including trade, agriculture, and digital technology. She underscored the aspiration of African n ations to join the UN Security Council and advocated for direct trade relations with Russia through the TASS agency's offices. The TASS-Africa international press tour, titled "The Path of Friendship," is scheduled from November 16 to 24 and will include visits to Moscow, Kazan, and Saint Petersburg, aiming to strengthen ties with journalists from African news agencies.