Russia has reaffirmed its readiness to assist Mali in stabilizing the situation in the country, including efforts to overcome pressing socio-economic challenges. The commitment was voiced during talks between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, and Minister of National Reconciliation, Peace and Social Cohesion Ismaël Wagué.
“The Russian side expressed its continued willingness to support Mali’s leadership in their efforts to stabilize the country, including addressing urgent socio-economic issues—while fully respecting Mali’s unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the right of its people to determine their own path of development,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
The discussions also covered a broad range of issues related to the continued development of traditionally friendly Russian-Malian relations, with a focus on strengthening political dialogue and deepening coordination on international platforms, particularly in support of peace and security in the Sahel-Sahara region.
The Malian ministers are visiting Moscow as part of the official delegation accompanying Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta. This marks Goïta’s second visit to Russia. He previously met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the second Russia–Africa summit in St. Petersburg in 2023, and the two leaders have held seven phone conversations.
According to the Kremlin, Putin and Goïta are expected to review the implementation of earlier agreements, particularly in the trade and economic sectors. They also plan to outline the next steps for expanding cooperation across various areas. A number of bilateral agreements are set to be signed, including a framework agreement on Russian-Malian relations, the establishment of an intergovernmental commission, and a deal on peaceful cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials