The governments of Mali and Russia have signed a series of agreements aimed at strengthening their economic, trade, and technological ties, including a landmark deal on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The accords were concluded during a five-day official visit to Moscow by Mali’s interim president, Colonel Assimi Goïta, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders formalized the creation of an Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, highlighting sectors such as geological exploration, natural resource development, logistics, and humanitarian initiatives as priorities for joint efforts.
“Our trade figures are still modest but show a positive trend,” President Putin stated, adding that there are “promising areas for cooperation.”
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Bilateral relationship
Goïta emphasized the growing trust and effectiveness in the bilateral relationship, which has expanded rapidly since Mali’s political pivot away from Western partners.The visit comes shortly after the departure of Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group from Mali, which had supported the Malian military since late 2021. The group has now been replaced by Russia’s state-run Africa Corps, maintaining Moscow’s military footprint in the Sahel region amid a surge in jihadist violence.
In addition to the nuclear cooperation deal, discussions included a strategic Russian-assisted gold refinery project currently under construction in Mali. The facility is expected to help the West African country exert more control over its gold sector, a vital part of its economy.
Mali, a major gold producer, has increasingly turned to Russia for support following the withdrawal of French and UN forces and faces mounting security threats from al-Qaeda-linked militants. The agreements reflect a broader Russian push to expand its influence in Africa through both economic and military cooperation, particularly with members of the Alliance of Sahel States.