On the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, Mali's Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga and Türkiye's Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz held a meeting on November 10, 2026. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Mali and Türkiye, with a focus on defense, mines, energy, infrastructure, and the potential resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Bamako.
According to the Malian Prime Minister's office, Maïga and Yılmaz reviewed the state of bilateral relations, which they described as excellent. They also explored ways to give a new impetus to their cooperation, including the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Bamako. The discussions also covered the development of economic and commercial exchanges, as well as partnership opportunities in strategic sectors such as defense, mining, energy, infrastructure, and education.
Mali's Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, emphasized his country's desire to establish partnerships focused on acquiring modern equipment and transferring technology. The goal is to enable Mali to strengthen its national capacities and gradually develop its own defense industry, without relying on external partners. Diop invited Turkish companies to increase their presence in Mali, particularly in the fields of energy, agriculture, and health.
The meeting took place in the context of Mali's efforts to diversify its international partnerships and mobilize new cooperation opportunities in sectors essential to its development. The country's authorities are seeking to consolidate relations with Türkiye, which has already provided military equipment to Mali through companies like Baykar. Turkish Airlines had previously suspended its flights to Bamako due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second International Defense and Security Exhibition (BAMEX) 2026, organized in Bamako, was also discussed during the meeting. The event, which took place in October 2026, brought together delegations from Russia, China, Türkiye, the United States, and several African countries. This illustrates Mali's willingness to diversify its international partnerships and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga represented Mali's transitional president, General Assimi Goïta, at COP31. The Malian government is seeking to strengthen its cooperation with Türkiye in various sectors, including defense, energy, and infrastructure. The two countries have already established a strong partnership in the defense sector, with Türkiye providing military equipment to Mali.
The meeting between Maïga and Yılmaz reflects the growing interest of both countries in strengthening their bilateral cooperation. Mali is looking to benefit from Türkiye's expertise in various sectors, while Türkiye is seeking to expand its presence in West Africa. The two countries are expected to continue their discussions in the coming months to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Key points
- Mali and Türkiye are exploring new opportunities for cooperation in defense, mines, energy, and infrastructure.
- The two countries are seeking to strengthen their bilateral relations, which are described as excellent.
- Mali is looking to diversify its international partnerships and mobilize new cooperation opportunities in sectors essential to its development.
