Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on Thursday held talks with the defense ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, member states of the Confederation of Sahel States, the Russian Defense Ministry said on its official website.
“This is the first consultation between the defense chiefs of Russia and the Confederation of Sahel States,” Belousov said, noting that July marked the first anniversary of the bloc’s establishment. He described the decision to form the alliance as “the result of the free choice of the Sahel peoples and their commitment to sustainable and peaceful development,” adding that terrorist threats and the activities of illegal armed groups still persist in the region.
“We support your position on the need to strengthen security, protect territories and safeguard sovereignty,” said Belousov, noting that the four-party dialogue would become an important platform for discussing ways to boost defense cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Sahel defense ministers, Malian Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs Sadio Camara said the decision to hold the inaugural meeting reflected the common desire to strengthen their strategic partnership. “Currently, defense cooperation is the largest area of collaboration between our countries,” he said.
Following the talks, a joint statement was signed summarizing the consultations and memoranda of understanding between the Russian Defense Ministry and the Confederation of Sahel States. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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