Mali is determined to reinforce relations between Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the country’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop told Sputnik on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
"We are committed to strengthening relations between Russia and Mali and between Russia and the AES, in particular to step up the fight against terrorism and insecurity by seeking to develop military and security cooperation," Abdoulaye Diop said.
The minister thanked Russia for its constant support for Mali at the UN in recent times, for its support for the withdrawal of MINUSMA, for all issues relating to Mali's territorial integrity and the defense of its unity, and in particular for the Russian veto on the extension of sanctions against Mali.
He emphasized that the two countries "have excellent relations at the political level."
Diop added that the countries signed a declaration on the non-use of weapons in space, which he believes is an important contribution to peace.