Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone with the interim president of Mali, Assimi Goita, this Wednesday (19) and discussed coordinating efforts to ensure stability in the Republic of Mali and the Sahara-Sahel region.
According to the Kremlin press service, the conversation took place on the initiative of the Malian side. The heads of state agreed to actively develop contacts at various levels and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
Furthermore, Goita expressed gratitude to Putin for Russia’s support in strengthening Mali’s security and combating terrorism. The parties agreed to develop political dialogue and promote greater cooperation between the two countries.
“The main topics on the bilateral agenda were discussed in detail. The intention is to actively develop political dialogue and contacts at various levels, as well as promote the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in the commercial, economic and humanitarian areas,” the statement said.
They also agreed to continue coordinating efforts to ensure stability in the Republic of Mali and the Sahara-Sahel region.
“Assimi Goita expressed gratitude for Russia’s significant support in strengthening Mali’s security and combating international terrorism, in particular attacks by armed extremist groups. They agreed to continue coordinating efforts to ensure stability in the republic and the entire Sahara-Sahel region,” the Kremlin statement said.
More contacts
Last Monday (17), it was the Russian Foreign Minister, Serguei Lavrov, who established contacts with African leaders. After a meeting with Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that Moscow believes that countries that cannot cope with the loss of their colonial influence on the African continent, particularly France, are behind terrorist threats in Africa.
“It is no secret that France is involved in this, working directly with illegal armed groups, arming them, financing them and guiding them,” Lavrov said.
According to him, this refers mainly to actions against countries in the Sahara-Sahel region, which began a process of definitive rupture with the former colonial powers.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
