Fuel, food, fertilizer as Russia’ Putin holds phone chat with Mali junta leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a telephone conversation with Mali’s military ruler, Colonel Assimi Goita.

In an August 10 statement released by the Russian presidency, the two leaders are said to have discussed bilateral relations and other areas of mutual interest and cooperation.

“They touched upon, among other things, the issue of possible deliveries to Mali of Russian food, fertiliser and fuel. The leaders agreed that the relevant Russian and Malian departments would step up their practical cooperation,” the statement read in part.

The call was held days after Russia presented five warplanes to the Malian government to help Bamako’s fight against terrorists.

Full statement: Telephone conversation with Interim President of Mali Assimi Goita

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goita at the latter’s initiative.

Assimi Goita thanked Vladimir Putin for Russia’s multifaceted support. The leaders discussed the further development of bilateral cooperation in trade, the economy and other areas. They touched upon, among other things, the issue of possible deliveries to Mali of Russian food, fertiliser and fuel. The leaders agreed that the relevant Russian and Malian departments would step up their practical cooperation.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the level of Russia-Mali foreign policy cooperation, including coordination of positions in the UN.

Assimi Goita described in detail the processes taking place in Mali and told the Russian President about the efforts of the national leaders to stabilise the situation and wage an uncompromising battle against terrorist groups.

Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the Russia-Africa summit scheduled to be held in St Petersburg in 2023 would help promote traditional friendship with all African states.