Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast are the current African members of the council, but they occupy non-permanent seats.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is in Ethiopia on an official state visit, has admitted that the council as currently constituted is skewed in favour of the world's wealthier nations.

The reforms have been part of demands by the African Union (AU) for decades now.

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Lavrov said Moscow would push for reforms at the council where, he said, developing countries were hugely underrepresented.

He said the inclusion of an African representative would have additional value.

AU head Mahamat Faki called the push by the continent “a legitimate claim”, and said the international community had so far ignored their efforts.

Mr Lavrov was speaking on the last leg of his Africa tour, which has taken in five countries.

He has promised Russia’s support in improving trade ties between his country and the continent.

On Thursday, Mr Lavrov told a press briefing that he would not be meeting the US Secretary of State in Ethiopia - despite an offer by Rex Tillerson.

He said he was revealing the details to clarify the discussions between himself and Mr Tillerson.