Vladimir Putin and Assimi Goïta had met for the first time at the end of July 2023, in the middle of an audience of other African leaders who came to participate in the second Russian-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg. Monday, June 23, there were no other guests at their side: the chief of the Malian junta was invited alone and with the honors by his most influential ally, as part of a unique bilateral visit of four days in Russia.
A more than symbolic displacement, the objective of which is to increase cooperation between the two countries, which has become privileged partners since General Goïta settled in the presidency, in 2021, a year after his coup.
The soldier who displays a sovereignist line, about to extend his mandate at the head of the state without elections, arrived in Moscow on Sunday on a plane chartered by his hosts on Sunday. The next day, he was received by Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin after having placed a wreath on the grave of the unknown soldier.
“It's a great pleasure to welcome you”introduced his Russian host, recalling the “Confidence relationships” that his country maintains with Mali since its independence in 1960. Mr. Putin also mentioned “Good prospects” cooperation in the fields “Natural resources, energy and logistics”. General Goïta said he “Convinced that this visit will be an opportunity to strengthen [leurs] Relations “citing in particular the defense, economy or transport sectors.
You have 69.66% of this article to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
Source: Lemonde