Mali – General Assimi Goïta, head of Mali’s transitional government, received a high-level delegation from the Russian Federation, headed by Russian Deputy Defense Minister General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, at the Koulouba Palace in Bamako.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BAMEX 2025 International Defense and Security Exhibition, which Mali is hosting for the first time from November 11 to 14.
Strengthening military cooperation between Mali and Russia
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between Mali and Russia. It focused on supporting the capabilities of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) through the provision of modern equipment and advanced training. This comes amid escalating joint operations against terrorist groups in the Sahel region.
Yevkurov, who was accompanied by Lieutenant General Andrei Avrianov and Russian military officials, affirmed Moscow’s commitment to supporting Bamako in its fight against regional instability.
He also noted that the visit builds on the momentum generated by Goethe’s visit to Moscow in June 2015. That visit saw the signing of important agreements, including a protocol on civil nuclear cooperation and the establishment of an intergovernmental commission. This commission covers the fields of energy, education, and mineral resources.
BAMEX 2025… A platform for strengthening partnerships
The BAMEX 2025 exhibition, with its international delegations and state-of-the-art defense displays, provides a platform to strengthen technical and military partnerships between the two countries. Discussions during the meeting were not limited to security matters; opportunities for economic and technological cooperation were also explored.
Russia continues to provide logistical and operational support to Malian forces through its Africa Corps, the Wagner Group’s proxy in the Sahel. This support has contributed to significant progress on the ground against the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) jihadist groups, despite ongoing security challenges, including the group’s recent siege of Bamako.
Statements from both sides and prospects for cooperation
The head of the Russian delegation praised the “exceptional dynamism” of cooperation between the two countries. He also announced the possibility of holding additional meetings soon to discuss new issues, particularly in the area of training financial officers in Russia.
For his part, Goita expressed his appreciation for the Russian support, stressing that this cooperation represents “a fundamental pillar for Mali’s sovereignty and stability.”
