Mali Reaffirms Commitment to Strategic Russia-Africa Partnership at Cairo Ministerial

Cairo, December 19, 2025 - Mali has reiterated its commitment to a strategic Russia-Africa partnership grounded in sovereignty, mutual respect, and shared development during the 2nd Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held in Cairo. The high-level meeting, a key milestone in preparations for the Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for 2026, brought together African and Russian officials to strengthen political, economic, and strategic cooperation within a framework described as balanced and mutually beneficial. In its address, the Malian delegation expressed gratitude to the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the conference and to the Russian Federation for what it described as a sustained commitment to a sincere and respectful partnership with African states. Mali highlighted the forum’s role as a platform for strategic dialogue based on respect for state sovereignty and the pursuit of collective responses to global challenges, against the backdrop of an evolving international order marked by the transition toward multipolarity. Within this context, Mali underscored Africa’s growing role as a full-fledged global actor, advancing its own visions and proposals. The delegation welcomed the convergence between BRICS principles and African aspirations for greater political, economic, and cultural autonomy. Addressing ongoing security challenges in the Sahel, Mali recalled the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States (CES), uniting Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The initiative was presented as a historic step to reinforce regional solidarity, strengthen the fight against terrorism, and promote an endogenous development model rooted in collective responsibility and sovereignty. The Mali-Russia partnership was described as a central pillar of Malian foreign policy. In 2025, the two countries marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with cooperation deepening across key sectors including security, energy, education, and economic development, yielding tangible outcomes and long-term structural projects. In conclusion, Mali reaffirmed its full support for the Russia-Africa Partnership, viewing it as a crucial lever for building a fairer, more stable international order that respects state sovereignty. The forum was hailed as a gateway to enhanced cooperation and shared prosperity between Russia and Africa.