Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop met on Tuesday, August 12, with a delegation from the United States Congress’s House Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Michael McCabe Jr., in a high-level discussion aimed at bolstering bilateral relations.
The meeting, also attended by the U.S. Ambassador to Mali, focused on enhancing cooperation across economic, security, and regional initiatives.
During the talks, Minister Diop outlined Mali’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and defend its territorial integrity.
He highlighted progress in defense management and stressed the government’s commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation across the country. “We are taking concrete steps to safeguard our citizens while building frameworks for sustainable development and regional stability,” Diop said.
The U.S. delegation reaffirmed its support for Mali’s sovereignty and reiterated interest in economic collaboration, particularly in sectors such as gold and lithium.
Discussions explored investment opportunities and initiatives designed to support the transformation of Mali’s economy while deepening ties between the two nations.
A significant topic of dialogue was the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States (ESA), a new regional platform uniting Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The United States expressed keen interest in this initiative, recognizing its potential to enhance security and economic integration across the Sahel.
This meeting follows a series of diplomatic engagements in Bamako, including visits by William Stevens, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, and Rudy Atallah, Deputy Director for Counterterrorism at the U.S. National Security Council.
These visits reinforced collaboration on counterterrorism, regional stability, and economic development.
Both parties agreed to continue constructive dialogue to strengthen pragmatic and mutually beneficial relations. The discussions underscore a shared commitment to advancing security, promoting economic growth, and supporting Mali’s sovereignty, reflecting a renewed momentum in U.S.-Malian cooperation.
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