MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Russia and Mali intend to convene a meeting between the countries’ respective economic ministries for discussing joint projects, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference following talks with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop.

"We agreed to undertake additional real steps for developing trade and economic cooperation, which still lags behind our trust-based political dialogue," Lavrov pointed out. "We affirmed our mutual interest in holding a meeting of our respective economic bloc agencies to consider practical steps for implementing the [decisions reached during the] two visits to Moscow last year by delegations of Malian experts in such areas as the implementation of projects with the participation of Russian companies in geological exploration, development of mineral reserves, transportation, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, information technology and much more."

Lavrov emphasized that these projects were outlined during last year’s discussions between Moscow and Bamako.

"We are currently interested in launching their implementation already this spring," he added. According to Lavrov, the sides also note positive dynamics in the development of military cooperation. "Our friend, Mr. [Malian Foreign] Minister Abdoulaye Diop, stressed the significance of Russian support in the fight against terrorism, and in enhancing the combat effectiveness of the Malian army and law enforcement agencies, including the training of soldiers and police officers," the Russian foreign minister stressed.