Mali's Ministry of Industry and Trade conducted a strategic discussion regarding the anticipated shipment of 50,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia, the local media reported.
The discussions, according to the report, highlighted the fruitful cooperation with the Russian company Demetra Holding, with which negotiations are progressing in order to complete the process of supplying 50,000 tonnes of wheat. This initiative is of "great importance" for Mali, both from an economic and food security point of view, the media said.
The Minister of Industry and Trade, Moussa Alassane Diallo, reportedly expressed confidence in the success of this deal and emphasized the importance of maintaining close coordination between the various parties involved.
Last July, Russia withdrew from the Turkey and UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukrainian grain shipments during the past year, since the deal's component on facilitating Russian grain and fertilizer exports had not been fulfilled and most of the supplies were going to rich European countries rather than poor African nations.
However, at the second Russia-Africa Summit in July 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to deliver 200,000 tonnes of free humanitarian grain relief to six African countries recognized by the World Food Program as being in need due to conflict, climate change, and other factors.
Thanks to this initiative, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Somalia and Zimbabwe received much-needed help.