Mali and Burkina Faso Reinforce Cultural Cooperation Under AES Framework

Bamako, April 10, 2026 - Mali has reaffirmed its support for cultural and economic cooperation with Burkina Faso during a high-level meeting focused on upcoming joint cultural events within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) framework. The Minister of Crafts, Culture, Hospitality, and Tourism, Mamou Daffé, received the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Mali, Julienne Sanon Dembélé, and her delegation in Bamako. The Burkinabe diplomatic team presented the general report of the second Burkina Faso Economic Days in Mali (JEB), held in Bamako from October 29 to November 1, 2025, highlighting progress in economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Discussions also centered on preparations for the upcoming National Culture Week scheduled in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 25 to May 2, 2026, alongside the second edition of the AES Fraternity Week, an initiative aimed at strengthening regional solidarity and cultural integration. Officials emphasized that these initiatives reflect growing cultural diplomacy within the AES space, fostering closer ties and shared identity between member states.