Mali’s President Assimi Goïta will have a six-day official visit to Russia
Malian President Colonel Assimi Goïta will embark on a six-day official visit to Russia starting June 21, 2025, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The trip marks a significant deepening of strategic cooperation between Mali and Russia, reflecting Bamako’s pursuit of greater autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world.
The visit builds upon growing bilateral ties that have expanded considerably in recent years across military, economic and diplomatic spheres.
Since the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit, the two nations have strengthened their partnership through:
- Enhanced military cooperation including training programs and equipment transfers under a 2025 defense agreement
- Expanded economic exchanges focusing on strategic commodities like wheat, fertilizers and hydrocarbons
- Joint industrial and mining development projects
President Goïta’s delegation aims to finalize new cooperation agreements during the visit, further cementing what Malian officials describe as a “relationship based on mutual trust and shared strategic interests.”
Mali’s council of ministers adopts key measures under transitional leadership
The trip underscores Mali’s foreign policy shift toward diversified partnerships under Goïta’s leadership, with officials emphasizing the nation’s sovereign right to determine its international engagements.
Analysts view the visit as part of Moscow’s broader African outreach and Bamako’s strategy to reduce traditional Western dependencies.
The Malian government maintains these partnerships directly support national security priorities and economic development goals.
President Goïta is scheduled to meet with President Putin and other senior Russian officials to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and diplomatic coordination. The visit concludes June 26 with expected announcements of new bilateral initiatives.
Emile TAPSOBA
