Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, held talks with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, to discuss bilateral relations and explore opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting took place in Bamako on Monday, October 12, during Nduhungirehe’s working and friendship visit to Mali, according to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mali’s national news agency, AMAP, reported that the discussions covered cooperation in security, economic and social development, education and technology.
The ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
One of the matters discussed was the implementation of cooperation agreements signed during the first Rwanda-Mali Joint Permanent Commission meeting, held in Kigali in May 2024.
The agreements covered several sectors, including digitalisation, healthcare, investment promotion and agriculture.
According to AMAP, Nduhungirehe said the two countries had agreed to work towards implementing the existing agreements and preparing for the second session of the Joint Permanent Commission, planned for Bamako in 2027.
He explained that follow-up teams would review the agreements already signed and examine additional proposals still under negotiation.
Diop welcomed the Rwandan minister’s visit and described relations between the two countries as being founded on friendship, solidarity and shared interests.
He also praised Rwanda’s recovery and development experience, saying its resilience could inspire other African countries facing security and development challenges.
The ministers further expressed their commitment to African integration and cooperation through continental and international institutions.
According to AMAP, the visit was the first by a Rwandan foreign affairs minister to Mali since January 2017.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10