MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Russia and Mali are actively maintaining military-technical cooperation, the republic's defense capability is being strengthened owing to the training of Malian Armed Forces personnel in Russia and deliveries of Russian equipment, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop.

"We will continue rendering the necessary assistance to our friends in our bilateral relations and not only in promoting its economic, trade and humanitarian development but also in enhancing the combat ability of the armed forces of Mali and training its military and law-enforcement officers," he said.

Lavrov said during past talks with his Malian counterpart that Russia transferred a second batch of aircraft aimed at combating terrorists to Mali on January 19, 2023. In addition, the Russian minister emphasized that Moscow and Bamako are planning further steps to supply arms and military equipment.