Mali and Rwanda have pledged closer cooperation on security, technology and economic development, with their foreign ministers calling for greater African unity and a stronger voice on the world stage during talks in Bamako on Monday.
Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop welcomed his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe, for discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing African integration.
“It is very important that we continue to nurture our African vision of Pan-Africanism – that of an integrated continent with a voice on the international stage,” Nduhungirehe said.
“We must reinvigorate our resource-rich continent and pursue reforms that benefit our populations,” he added.
The visit marked the first by a Rwandan foreign minister to Mali since January 2017.
Diop praised Rwanda’s recovery from its ‘traumatic’ past, pointing to its economic progress and national reconciliation efforts as examples for other African countries.
“Rwanda has made significant progress, particularly in economic development, making it a source of inspiration for many of our countries,” Diop said.
“In terms of national reconciliation as well, Rwanda can today serve as a source of inspiration,” he added.
The talks also addressed progress on agreements reached at the first Mali-Rwanda Joint Commission meeting in Kigali in May 2024.
Both sides agreed to review their commitments ahead of the commission’s next session, scheduled for Bamako in 2027.
The ministers also discussed plans for a bilateral business forum to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
Source: Viory
