Mali’s foreign minister says his government has the right to choose its partners.

Minister Abdoulaye Diop was reacting to concerns about the worsening relationship between Mali and its former colonial master France.

Diplomatic tensions have been growing between both countries after rumors surfaced that Mali was planning to hire Russian mercenaries to boost its fight against jihadists.

 Minister Diop spoke to WADR on Monday at the ongoing China-Africa Forum, taking place here in Dakar.