Mali signs nuclear energy deal for ‘peaceful’ use with Russia

​​​​​​​By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Mali signed a draft agreement with Russia on the “peaceful” use of nuclear energy in partnership with Russian state-owned company, Rosatom, the Malian presidency said Tuesday.

The two countries signed three agreements in Moscow covering trade, energy, science, political, diplomatic and security cooperation in the presence of Mali’s transitional President Assimi Goita and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a statement.

The presidency said the “innovative” nuclear energy pact aims to tackle Mali’s energy crisis by developing infrastructure, transferring skills and technology, and training local personnel.

The agreement is expected to boost Mali’s energy independence and reduce reliance on costly imports.

“This agreement will significantly contribute to industrial development and national energy sovereignty,” it said.

Mali and Russia also agreed to establish an intergovernmental commission to enhance cooperation in trade, science and technology and to promote Russian investment in Mali.

They signed a broad agreement to strengthen bilateral ties and security cooperation, which includes training and support to combat terrorism and organized crime.

Putin received Goita at the Kremlin on Monday. He said the visit marked 65 years of relations and called for stronger cooperation between the nations.

On Aug. 18, 2020, a group of Malian soldiers staged a military coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

Less than a year later, on May 24, 2021, Col. Assimi Goit -- a key figure in the first coup -- led another takeover, this time detaining transitional President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.

The West African nation has since drifted closer to Russia, distancing itself from its longtime partner, France.