Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop (the President of Mali currently holds the CSS presidency), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of the Republic of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and African Integration of the Republic of Niger Yaou Sangare Bakary.
The Pan Afrikanist Watchman
On April 3, Moscow hosted the first Russia-Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) ministerial meeting with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop (the President of Mali currently holds the CSS presidency), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of the Republic of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and African Integration of the Republic of Niger Yaou Sangare Bakary.
The ministers engaged in a detailed discussion on issues related to strengthening friendly relations between Russia and the CSS with a focus on intensifying political dialogue and enhancing sector-specific cooperation.
They stated that the parties had similar views on the majority of topics under discussion. Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Russia was ready to help the CSS evolve an independent political course and shape a new regional security architecture based on self-reliance.
The ministers agreed on further enhancing coordination at the UN and other international venues. Significant attention was given to promoting interaction within the framework of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
The participants in the meeting approved a joint statement. The next meeting in the same format will be held in one of the CSS countries.
