Russia has signed agreements with Mali to boost trade and economic ties, with a focus on geological exploration, natural resource development, energy, logistics, and humanitarian fields.
Russian President Vladimir Putin received Malian leader Colonel Assimi Goita in the Kremlin, where they discussed areas of cooperation, including nuclear energy.
The two countries have discussed a strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in Mali.
Additionally, construction has begun on a new Russian-backed gold refinery in Mali, which is expected to give the country greater control over its natural resources.
Mali is one of Africa’s top gold producers but currently lacks a functional and globally certified refinery.
