A nuclear co-operation agreement was signed between Mali and Russia during a five-day official visit to Russia by Mali’s Interim President, Assimi Goita. It was one of several agreements signed during the visit including one establishing an Intergovernmental Russia-Mali Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific & Technical Cooperation.
The agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Mali on cooperation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy was signed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Mali’s Minister of Energy & Water Resources, Boubacar Diane.
The document creates a legal basis for interaction between Russia and the Republic of Mali covering a wide range of areas, including: assistance in creating and improving Mali’s nuclear infrastructure in accordance with international recommendations; regulation of nuclear and radiation safety; the production of radioisotopes and their application in industry, medicine and agriculture; cooperation in the application of radiation technologies and nuclear medicine; and training and retraining of specialists for the nuclear industry.
“The signing of this agreement marks a new stage in the strategic partnership between Russia and Mali,” said Likhachev. “We are pleased to provide our partners with expertise and technology to support the sustainable development of energy and science. Joint work in the field of peaceful atom opens up great opportunities for both countries and helps strengthen friendship and mutual trust.”
An earlier agreement in March 2024 outlining a roadmap on the development of Russian-Malian cooperation was signed on the sidelines of the international Atomexpo forum in Sochi.
In July 2024, a Rosatom delegation headed by Deputy General Director for International Affairs Nikolai Spassky, visited the Mali during which he met with President Goita and detailed the development of the main cooperation projects being carried out in Mali by Rosatom.
Extensive negotiations were also held with a Mali ministerial delegation led by Minister of Economy & Finance Alusseni Sanu. Discussions covered projects in the field of solar generation and exploration with special focus on the prospect of launching a strategic project to build a Russian low-power NPP.
Following those talks, Rosatom signed three memoranda. These included two with the Minister of Energy & Water Resources Binta Kamara, on cooperation in the development of nuclear infrastructure and on the formation of a positive public opinion. Another memorandum was signed with the Minister of Higher Education & Research, Burem Kansaye, on cooperation in the field of training.
Following the latest agreement, a statement on the Mali Presidential Office’s Facebook page said: “This innovative partnership could provide a structural response to Mali’s energy crisis through the development of appropriate infrastructure, the transfer of skills and technologies, and the training of national human resources. By strengthening the country’s energy autonomy and reducing its dependence on expensive imports, this agreement will significantly contribute to industrial development and national energy sovereignty.”
