New Delhi, July 8 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday conveyed an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to be held in Moscow in October.

Speaking during a meeting between Russia and the Confederation of Sahel States in Niamey, Lavrov personally delivered Putin's message to the three African leaders as Moscow continues to strengthen political and economic ties with African nations ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit.

The invitation comes as Russia accelerates preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, which is expected to bring together heads of state and senior officials from across the African conti...