Putin and the head of Mali discussed the supply of Russian food and fuel

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Malian Transitional President Assimi Goita, during which the parties discussed, among other things, the supply of Russian food, fertilizers and fuel, reported on the Kremlin website.

“In particular, the subject of possible deliveries of Russian food, fertilizers and fuel to Mali was touched upon. It was agreed that the relevant Russian and Malian departments will intensify practical cooperation,” the statement says.

During the conversation, which took place on the initiative of the Malian side, Putin and Goita also expressed satisfaction with the level of Russian-Malian cooperation in the foreign policy sphere, including the coordination of positions through the UN. In addition, the head of the Russian state expressed hope that the Russia-Africa forum scheduled for next year in St. Petersburg would strengthen traditionally friendly ties with all countries of the African continent.

The first Russia-Africa summit took place in 2019. At that time, all 54 independent states of the continent were represented at it, 43 of them at the level of heads of state and government. In July this year, Putin signed decree on holding a second summit in 2023.

Earlier it became known that Russia handed over Mali L-39 and Su-25 fighters and Mi-24P and Mi-8 combat helicopters, as well as CASA C-295 tactical transport aircraft.

At the end of March, Mali received the first batch of equipment from Russia as part of cooperation in the fight against terrorism: two Russian-made Mi-35P helicopters, radar equipment, weapons and ammunition, wrote Turkish news agency “Anadolu” with reference to the Ministry of Defense of Mali. In April, Mali received a second batch of military equipment from Russia. Among the transferred weapons were, among other things, two combat helicopters and radar equipment. Also in October 2021, four Mi-171 combat helicopters, weapons and ammunition were delivered to Mali from Russia.

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