Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mali’s transitional leader Assimi Goïta agreed on Wednesday to deepen political contacts and coordinate efforts to bolster security across the Sahel.
The two leaders held a high-level phone discussion focusing on bilateral ties, political dialogue, and regional stability, according to an official statement from the Kremlin.
Goïta expressed deep gratitude for Russia’s substantial assistance in countering international terrorism and dismantling armed extremist networks operating within Malian territory.
Moscow and Bamako also outlined plans to broaden mutually beneficial cooperation across the economic, trade, and humanitarian sectors.
Goïta, who assumed leadership following a 2021 military coup, has systematically pivoted Mali’s security strategy toward Moscow while curtailing the military influence of former colonial power France.
