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Press release on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Mali

14 October 2025 11:00
1695-14-10-2025

October 14 marks 65 years of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Mali.

Our countries have a long history of strong friendship based on the principles of respect and a balance of interests. The Soviet Union actively contributed to the development of Malian statehood and the implementation of major economic projects. Thousands of Soviet professionals worked in Mali. These traditions of mutual assistance and exchange of experience in various spheres continue to develop.

Bamako is a priority partner and ally for Moscow in Africa. This has repeatedly been reaffirmed during bilateral contacts at the highest and high levels. We maintain a regular political dialogue due to the similarity of our positions on the majority of current global and regional issues. The talks held by the heads of state during the official visit by Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goïta to Moscow in June 2025 were substantive and constructive. Contacts between our leaders have given an additional impetus to the development of the entire range of Russian-Malian relations.

Building up mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation is our common goal. Active measures are being taken towards this end, including within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation established this year. Its first meeting was held in Bamako in July 2025, when the sides compared notes on the current issues on their business agenda. Our immediate plans include the establishment of a consultative centre with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Russia attaches great importance to the further development of military and military-technical cooperation. Mali stands at the forefront of counterterrorist efforts in the Sahel Region. It is largely thanks to the deliveries of Russian weapons and equipment, as well as the assistance of Russian instructors, that the Malian defence and security forces carry out successful operations against extremist groups.

We continue to train Malian specialists at civilian universities and the academies of Russia's defence and interior ministries. Over 10,000 specialists have been trained during our bilateral interaction.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop exchanged messages of greeting on the anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.

The ministers expressed confidence that the multifaceted Russian-Malian ties will continue to develop for the benefit of our nations and in the interests of stronger peace and security in Africa.