On June 19, 2025, in Saint Petersburg, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025), an Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy was signed between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of Burkina Faso.
The document was signed on behalf of Russia by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom, and on behalf of Burkina Faso by Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries.
The Agreement establishes a legal framework for comprehensive collaboration between the two countries in the field of nuclear energy and technologies. Key areas of cooperation include supporting the development and enhancement of Burkina Faso’s nuclear infrastructure in accordance with international standards, regulation of nuclear and radiation safety issues, and the production and application of radioisotopes in industry, medicine, and agriculture. Furthermore, the Agreement envisages the development of joint projects in radiation technologies and nuclear medicine, as well as training and retraining of specialists for Burkina Faso’s nuclear sector.
This signed document is a logical continuation of the roadmap for the development of Russian-Burkinabe cooperation, which was concluded on March 26, 2024, in Sochi during the International Forum “ATOMEXPO” between Rosatom and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries of Burkina Faso.
“The signing of this Agreement marks an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between Russia and Burkina Faso. We are ready to provide advanced technologies and expert support to implement joint projects aimed at sustainable development and enhancing the region’s energy security,” emphasized Alexey Likhachev.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is one of the most significant economic events in the CIS region. The event is organized by the Roscongress Foundation and has been held annually since 1997. SPIEF has established itself as a key global platform where practical discussions on contemporary economic challenges facing Russia, emerging markets, and the world take place. The forum facilitates the adoption of practical solutions, the launch of large-scale innovative projects, and the shaping of new approaches to adapting the global economy to modern conditions. In 2024, the forum hosted over 21,800 participants from 139 countries, and the total value of agreements signed exceeded 6.49 trillion rubles. The main theme of SPIEF 2025 is “Shared Values – the Basis for Growth in a Multipolar World.” The program includes more than 150 events in various formats, including plenary sessions, strategic discussions, debates, and business breakfasts. The guest country of the forum this year is the Kingdom of Bahrain.
