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The talks began with a restricted-format meeting and continued in an expanded format with the attendance of the delegation members.

Discussions were focused on the further development of Russia–Mali cooperation, including trade, economic, and investment relations, as well as pressing regional and international issues.

As part of the official visit of Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goïta to the Russian Federation, the following documents have been signed: an agreement on the fundamentals of relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Mali; an agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Mali on creating an Intergovernmental Russia–Mali Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation; and an agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Mali on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

Let me extend my heartfelt welcome to you here in Moscow. Last time we saw each other was in St Petersburg in 2023 during the Russia-Africa Summit. It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Russia on an official visit.

Our countries have maintained good and trust-based relations over many years. We established diplomatic relations 65 years ago and have continued to cooperate ever since. Over that time, more than 10,000 specialists from your country have been trained in Russia. Notably, this humanitarian cooperation continues to this day.

Of course, the world has changed dramatically. We are maintaining ties across all areas. Regrettably, our trade numbers remains modest, but, first of all, they are showing a positive trend. Secondly, and importantly, there are promising areas for cooperation such as geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics, and, as I mentioned earlier, humanitarian projects.

We have strong intergovernmental relations. Not long ago, our delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak visited your country. Thank you for taking the time to host him.

We are building ties between our parliaments as well. Our foreign ministries remain in contact as well. Today, we will sign several – three – documents, that will undoubtedly fortify the legal framework of our cooperation.

Mr President, we are very pleased to see you. I am confident that today’s meeting and negotiations will contribute positively to promoting our relations.

Welcome to Russia.

Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goïta (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President.

I am also glad to be in your country. I would like to convey greetings to you on behalf of the Government of my country.

We enjoy good bilateral relations and hope to continue developing them in the same vein. Our cooperation is well established in many sectors, including transport, security, culture, sports, and energy.

Today, we acknowledge that we have good cooperation with the Russian Federation. Thanks to this partnership, we are achieving positive results. All of this demonstrates the effectiveness and trust between our countries.

I am convinced that this official visit will help further strengthen the ties between our countries.

Thank you.

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