MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop in Moscow. The top diplomats are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of cooperation between the two countries and the regional agenda.

Moscow and Bamako maintain regular contacts. For example, the last meeting of ministers took place on September 21 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. In addition, in February 2023, the Russian foreign minister paid a first visit to Mali, held meetings with his Malian counterpart Diop and interim president Colonel Assimi Goita. The parties also maintain telephone contacts. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russia and Mali "have a well-developed legal framework that reflects the multifaceted nature of bilateral relations." The Malian leadership calls Russia a reliable partner.

During the talks in Moscow, the ministers are expected to discuss such issues as cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, the situation in the region and cooperation in the military-technical sphere.