Russia, alongside Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has issued a joint declaration condemning Ukraine's “criminal collusion” with terrorist groups operating in the Sahel. The statement followed high-level consultations between the foreign ministers of the Russian Federation and the Alliance of Sahel States(AES) and was published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
Key highlights from the statement include:
A strong condemnation of foreign actors supporting terrorism, specifically accusing Ukraine of cooperating with armed extremist groups in the Sahel region.
A reaffirmed commitment to intensifying joint efforts in combating terrorism and instability in all forms across AES territories.
Agreement on establishing a pragmatic and united strategic partnership in defense and security between Russia and the AES Confederation.
The AES countries acknowledged Russia’s significant contribution to global peace and security.
Russia praised the AES’s leadership and recognized its role as a model for regional stability and its contributions to the security of the Sahel-Sahara zone.
Both parties agreed to strengthen the operational capacity of AES’s joint forces through the acquisition of advanced military technology and specialized training to ensure comprehensive security in the region.
Russia expressed its readiness to provide technical assistance to the Sahel countries.
They also committed to enhancing cooperation on infrastructure projects and expanding joint development initiatives.
This joint declaration marks a further deepening of ties between Moscow and the Sahel bloc, particularly in the areas of military cooperation, counterterrorism, and regional development.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials