Mali – Russia: A strengthened strategic partnership for the country’s economic sovereignty
The President of the Transition, Head of State, Colonel Assimi Goïta, received a high-level Russian delegation led by Dr. Alexey Koylikov at the Koulouba Palace on Friday, October 24, 2025. This meeting, attended by the Minister of Economy of Mali, Alousséni Sanou, and Minister of Mines, Amadou Keïta, is part of the ongoing effort to strengthen the strategic partnership between Mali and the Russian Federation.
Discussions focused on several key areas for the national economy, particularly energy, fertilizers, and cereal products.
Dr. Koylikov reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to supporting Mali in its economic and social priorities, emphasizing that Russia considers Mali a “friendly nation” with which it intends to build a lasting and mutually beneficial cooperation.
A major highlight of the meeting concerned Mali’s energy supply. The talks covered the monthly delivery of 160,000 to 200,000 tonnes of petroleum products a substantial volume that will help stabilize the national market and mitigate the impact of recurrent shortages.
This support represents a vital boost for the Malian economy, especially within a global context of rising energy prices and resource scarcity.
In the mining sector, the Russian delegation also provided an update on the progress of the gold refinery project in Mali.
According to Mr. Simyon, a member of the delegation, significant advancements have been made, with the first official board meeting of the refinery company scheduled for November.
Once operational, this project will enable Mali to refine its gold locally, increase national value-added, and strengthen its economic sovereignty.
This visit underscores the depth of the Mali-Russia partnership, which now extends to the energy, agricultural, and industrial sectors. It marks a new phase in the cooperation between the two nations, who are resolutely committed to a path of sustainable and autonomous development.
Neil Camara
