On October 30, 2026, Malian President Assimi Goïta met with Russian President Vladimir Poutine in Moscow, on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit. During their bilateral meeting, Goïta proposed expanding their security cooperation to include intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and territorial surveillance. The meeting was attended by Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop and other government officials. This proposal aims to build on existing military cooperation between Mali and Russia.
The two leaders discussed various sectors, including energy, mining, and training. Goïta praised Russia's military support, particularly the deployment of Russian forces to aid the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). He expressed interest in benefiting from Russian expertise in local mining resource transformation, nuclear energy, solar power, and hybrid energy systems. The Malian president emphasized the need for gradual competence transfer and training for Malian technicians and specialists.
The discussions also covered economic and industrial projects, including the Sanankoroba solar power plant and cooperation in civil nuclear energy. Goïta committed to resolving any obstacles on the Malian side to facilitate the advancement of pending bilateral projects. He acknowledged Russia's support, including wheat, food, and hydrocarbon deliveries, as well as a memorandum on seed and fertilizer supply.
Poutine noted that trade exchanges between Russia and Mali remain modest despite progress. He highlighted the intergovernmental commission on cooperation, which began its work in 2025, as a means to promote economic relations. On education, Poutine confirmed that Russia had increased the quota for Malian students to 300 for the 2026-2027 academic year. He also welcomed the growing interest in learning Russian in Mali.
The two presidents discussed cultural and university cooperation, including mutual diploma recognition. Poutine mentioned that six Russian language and culture centers and two "Russian Houses" operate in Mali. He also recalled the entry into force of the interstate agreement on Russia-Mali relations in May 2026 and the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in October 1960.
Goïta and Poutine touched on diplomatic issues, with Poutine thanking Mali for its support for Russian initiatives at the United Nations and other international forums. Goïta appreciated Russia's support for the Sahel region, particularly within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
This meeting follows Goïta's official visit to Russia in June 2025, during which several cooperation agreements were signed. The talks between Goïta and Poutine did not result in the announcement of a new bilateral agreement but highlighted areas of cooperation and Mali's proposals.
Key points
- Mali and Russia discuss expanded security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and cybersecurity.
- The two countries aim to strengthen economic ties, particularly in energy and mining.
- Russia increases educational opportunities for Malian students to 300 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
