In a significant move aimed at strengthening regional security, Russia has expressed its support for the establishment of a new joint Armed Forces initiative to combat terrorism in the Sahel region. The announcement came during discussions between Mali’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abdoulaye Diop and his Russian counterpart in Moscow.

This new security platform is part of broader efforts by the Sahel countries — Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — to enhance their collective security measures. The Kremlin, which has been increasingly involved in the region’s affairs, pledged to bolster security cooperation, as well as economic and bilateral relations with the three countries.

The meeting is part of a two-day diplomatic mission between the Sahel countries’ delegations and Russian officials, with a focus on counter-terrorism and military collaboration.