Mali and Burkina Faso have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation during a four-day working visit by Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo to Bamako.
The visit, held from August 19 to 22, 2025, was at the invitation of Mali’s Prime Minister Major General Abdoulaye Maïga. It included a key working session on August 21, attended by senior members of both governments, and was marked by “fraternity and solidarity,” according to officials.
Discussions focused on issues of common interest, including defense and security, economic cooperation, and diplomatic coordination.
Leaders highlighted the importance of collaboration within the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), underscoring shared challenges and opportunities across the region.
Major General Maïga and Mr. Ouédraogo noted that the meeting demonstrates “the quality of the strategic partnership between Mali and Burkina Faso, united by a shared history and the same challenges.”
They also praised the leadership and vision of Presidents Assimi Goïta of Mali, Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger, and Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso in guiding regional initiatives.
The discussions reflected broad alignment between the two governments on key policy areas.
Defense and security cooperation, in particular, were highlighted as critical for addressing cross-border threats and stabilizing the Sahel region.
Economic and diplomatic collaboration were also emphasised as essential to advancing shared development objectives and regional integration.
The visit represents a step forward in reinforcing the ties between Mali and Burkina Faso, signalling a commitment to deepening strategic cooperation and promoting stability, peace, and prosperity within the Sahel.
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