Russia and Mali Presidents Discuss Donation of Fertilizer Blocked in EU to States in Need

 / Go to the mediabankGranular potash fertilizer. File photo. / Go to the mediabankMOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malian Transitional President Assimi Goita have noted the importance of Moscow’s initiative on donating 300,000 tonnes of fertilizer blocked in the EU to countries in need, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.The two leaders held a phone conversation, during which they discussed topical issues of further development of bilateral relations, including in the trade and economic sphere, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two reaffirmed their determination to strengthen cooperation in the field of security in order to eradicate terrorist groups.

"At the same time, they noted the importance of the implementation of the Russian initiative to donate to countries in need about 300,000 tonnes of fertilizers that were blocked in European ports due to illegitimate sanctions," the statement read.

Putin also invited Goita to partake the second Russia-Africa Summit, which is scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg next summer.Back in July, Moscow and Kiev struck an unbrokered deal allowing passage for ships with food and fertilizers via the Black Sea. However, Moscow noted that most of the cargo does not reach the poorest countries.

Fighting Against Terrorism

Putin and Goita also reaffirmed their intention to strengthen security cooperation to eradicate terrorist groups in Africa’s Sahel region, including Mali.

"The parties confirmed mutual commitment to further strengthen Russian-Malian security cooperation to eradicate terrorist groups across Mali," a statement read.

Mali is one of the West African countries most affected by continuous terrorist attacks. The situation was significantly destabilized in 2012 when Tuareg militants seized vast territories in the northern part of the country.© AFP 2022 / HABIBOU KOUYATE Armed soldiers in Mali’s capital BamakoArmed soldiers in Mali’s capital BamakoThe hostilities created a favorable environment for the flourishing of terrorism. The crisis escalated even more due to activities of Islamists and forces loyal to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi that came to Mali after the First Libyan Civil War.Despite the presence of counterterrorism forces, terrorist attacks have sharply increased across the country in recent years. Moreover, in 2022, France announced the official completion of its counterterrorism missions amid disagreements with the African nation’s transitional government, which came to power after a military takeover in 2021. As a result, the Malian authorities turned to other countries for assistance in their fight against terrorism.

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