Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov makes statements on Europe and global diplomacy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made several public statements about Russia's foreign relations. He described Europe as being in decline and said Russia is moving diplomats from Europe to Africa. Lavrov also discussed Russia's relations with Syria, Cuba, and Turkmenistan, and commented on Middle East issues.

Separately, the Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with the president of South Africa and sent a congratulatory message to the president of Iran.