Sergey Lavrov meets with Malian Foreign Minister Anta Diop

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali Anta Diop on the sidelines of the second Russia–Confederation of Sahel States Ministerial Consultations (AGC, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger). This was announced on July 8 by the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

It is specified that during the meeting the parties discussed topical issues of Russian-Malian relations, which are traditionally friendly.

"The issues of increasing trade, economic and investment ties, improving the legal framework, implementing promising joint projects in the field of energy, geology, development of mineral reserves, infrastructure construction, and transport were considered, including in the context of implementing the decisions of the second meeting of the intergovernmental commission on cooperation held in Kazan in May," the ministry said. the diplomatic department.

At the same time, special attention was also paid to the development of scientific, technical, educational, cultural and sports ties between the states.

Both sides confirmed their commitment to deepening a trust-based political dialogue and coordination of actions on the global stage, as well as further close cooperation in countering terrorism, including in the Sahara-Sahel region.

African component: Russia strengthens its position in the Sahel

Lavrov's historic visit to Niger took place amid heightened terrorist danger

Earlier in the day, Russia, together with the AGC countries, announced the existence of a conspiracy involving Ukraine, France and terrorist groups operating in the region. The joint document states that the parties "strongly condemned such destructive actions aimed at undermining the statehood of the confederation countries and stability in the region."

On July 8, at a meeting of the Russia–ASG Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, Lavrov said that Russia and the countries of the Confederation of Sahel States had achieved significant success in integrating and forming a new regional security architecture under the auspices of the alliance. According to Lavrov, this is his first visit to Niamey. The Minister noted the remarkable situation: recently he had the opportunity to visit all three capitals of the Sahel states.