Eritrea's Ministry of Information announced on Thursday that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov landed in Eritrea today for a one-day surprise visit. 

Upon arrival, Lavrov and his delegation were welcomed by Eritrea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Osman Saleh, Presidential Adviser Yemane Gebreab, and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Eritrea, Igor Mozgo, among other high-rank officials.

He is expected to meet with President Isaias Afwerki to discuss "strengthening bilateral relations as well as regional developments of interest to the two countries", a statement by the ministry read.

Read more: Lavrov announces energy plans with S. Africa, discusses naval drills

The statement added that Lavrov is also due to hold a joint press conference later today with Osman Saleh. 

#Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Asmara, #Eritrea.
🇪🇷🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/PEzC9fGlSq

— Jonathan (@itsEritrea) January 26, 2023

The East African country was one of only five who voted against a UN resolution in March 2022 condemning Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

This marks Lavrov's fourth destination as part of his African tour which began with South Africa, followed by Eswatini, then by Angola, where he signed several agreements and commitments to strengthen relations with the African continent on all fronts. 

Read more: BRICS, energy, education and trade on the Russia-Eswatini table