Mali Celebrates 299th Anniversary of Saudi Arabia’s Founding

Bamako, February 23, 2026 - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdoulaye Diop participated on Monday in the celebration of the 299th anniversary of the Founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of Saudi Ambassador to Mali, Abdullah Saleh Saber. At the solemn and convivial ceremony, Minister Diop, on behalf of Mali’s highest authorities, congratulated His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people, extending wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity. Highlighting Shared Heritage and Cooperation The Minister also emphasized the civilizational and religious heritage of Mali, recalling Mansa Kankou Moussa’s historic pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. He expressed satisfaction with the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Mali and Saudi Arabia, citing major projects such as the Grand Mosque of Bamako and the second Bamako Bridge. Strengthening Bilateral Partnership Minister Diop and the Saudi Ambassador underscored the need to enhance bilateral cooperation through: Mutually beneficial productive investments Implementation of structuring development projects Promotion of economic and trade exchanges Close collaboration in the fight against terrorism in Mali and within the AES Confederation The ceremony reinforced Mali’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia in a spirit of solidarity and partnership.