Second Session of the Russia–Mali Intergovernmental Commission Held in Kazan
Second Session of the Russia–Mali Intergovernmental Commission Held in Kazan
15 May
Sergey Tsivilev and Alousséni Sanou, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Mali, co-chaired the second session of the Russia–Mali Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with representatives of federal ministries from both countries.
Opening the session, the head of the Russian Energy Ministry underscored the strategic nature of the partnership between the two nations.
"Mali is one of Russia's priority partners and allies on the African continent. We are committed to further active work to implement the agreements reached by the leaders of our two countries," he said.
The Minister thanked the Malian side for its results-oriented approach and constructive engagement.
"The Malian delegation flew to Kazan at what is a difficult time for their Republic. Eight ministers spent several days together, making active visits to enterprises across Tatarstan. This reaffirms the priority that the leadership of Mali attaches to developing relations with Russia," the Minister of Energy noted.
Sergey Tsivilev also extended his condolences to the Malian side in connection with the series of terrorist attacks that took place in April this year, and paid tribute to the memory of those killed in the hostilities.
During the Session, the parties discussed co-operation in energy, agriculture, and transport. Supplies of grain, fertilisers, and industrial goods were also on the agenda.
Turning to the most promising areas of collaboration, the Minister highlighted joint projects in mineral exploration and extraction.
"Rosgeo is working very actively on the territory of the Republic of Mali, carrying out surveys. A geological map needs to be produced, and the existing deposits need to be properly assessed. This is a major undertaking that will sharply boost investment interest in the Republic of Mali," the head of the Russian Energy Ministry said, pointing to the African continent's abundant natural resources.
Sergey Tsivilev also noted the intensification of co-operation in the transport sector.
"Our Malian partners are interested in upgrading the existing railway network, which at present is unable to cope with the tasks set before it. We are ready to assist them in this area. They are also keen to develop inland waterway transport," he said.
Sergey Tsivilev further announced the signing of an agreement on the supply of KAMAZ trucks to the Republic of Mali.
"Our trade and economic engagement with Mali are at an early stage. Our helicopters, our vehicles, and other industrial products are well known in Africa. We see considerable prospects in mechanical engineering, the processing industry, agriculture, and in innovation-driven fields," observed Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.
He recalled that Tatarstan, on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, is charged with strengthening ties with the countries of the Islamic world. "I head the Strategic Vision Group 'Russia – Islamic World', and as part of our joint work with colleagues from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Kazan was this year granted the status of Islamic World Capital 2026," he said.
Co-operation in education was an important item on the agenda. It was noted that joint educational projects will serve as a foundation for the further deepening of bilateral ties.
"We are now rolling out educational programmes, including Russian language courses on the territory of Mali. Such programmes are critically important. The President of the Transitional Government, Assimi Goïta, and the government of Mali themselves underline the importance of these educational programmes, because they want to build their own technological sovereignty. They have lived through the same period we have, when foreign companies used technology for selfish ends. Our Malian partners are also very serious in their support for our principle of energy justice, based on mutual respect and mutual trust," Sergey Tsivilev stated.
The Minister also announced plans to send a Russian business mission to Mali. Speaking about the role of the Intergovernmental Commission session in the wider context of Russia–Africa relations, he noted that this format would serve as a model for the work of other intergovernmental commissions with African partners, including the states of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Documents signed:
- Protocol of the Second Session of the Russia–Mali Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation;
- Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in the field of standardisation between Rosstandart and the Malian Agency for Standardisation and Quality Promotion (AMANORM).
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
Opening the session, the head of the Russian Energy Ministry underscored the strategic nature of the partnership between the two nations.
"Mali is one of Russia's priority partners and allies on the African continent. We are committed to further active work to implement the agreements reached by the leaders of our two countries," he said.
The Minister thanked the Malian side for its results-oriented approach and constructive engagement.
"The Malian delegation flew to Kazan at what is a difficult time for their Republic. Eight ministers spent several days together, making active visits to enterprises across Tatarstan. This reaffirms the priority that the leadership of Mali attaches to developing relations with Russia," the Minister of Energy noted.
Sergey Tsivilev also extended his condolences to the Malian side in connection with the series of terrorist attacks that took place in April this year, and paid tribute to the memory of those killed in the hostilities.
During the Session, the parties discussed co-operation in energy, agriculture, and transport. Supplies of grain, fertilisers, and industrial goods were also on the agenda.
Turning to the most promising areas of collaboration, the Minister highlighted joint projects in mineral exploration and extraction.
"Rosgeo is working very actively on the territory of the Republic of Mali, carrying out surveys. A geological map needs to be produced, and the existing deposits need to be properly assessed. This is a major undertaking that will sharply boost investment interest in the Republic of Mali," the head of the Russian Energy Ministry said, pointing to the African continent's abundant natural resources.
Sergey Tsivilev also noted the intensification of co-operation in the transport sector.
"Our Malian partners are interested in upgrading the existing railway network, which at present is unable to cope with the tasks set before it. We are ready to assist them in this area. They are also keen to develop inland waterway transport," he said.
Sergey Tsivilev further announced the signing of an agreement on the supply of KAMAZ trucks to the Republic of Mali.
"Our trade and economic engagement with Mali are at an early stage. Our helicopters, our vehicles, and other industrial products are well known in Africa. We see considerable prospects in mechanical engineering, the processing industry, agriculture, and in innovation-driven fields," observed Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.
He recalled that Tatarstan, on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, is charged with strengthening ties with the countries of the Islamic world. "I head the Strategic Vision Group 'Russia – Islamic World', and as part of our joint work with colleagues from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Kazan was this year granted the status of Islamic World Capital 2026," he said.
Co-operation in education was an important item on the agenda. It was noted that joint educational projects will serve as a foundation for the further deepening of bilateral ties.
"We are now rolling out educational programmes, including Russian language courses on the territory of Mali. Such programmes are critically important. The President of the Transitional Government, Assimi Goïta, and the government of Mali themselves underline the importance of these educational programmes, because they want to build their own technological sovereignty. They have lived through the same period we have, when foreign companies used technology for selfish ends. Our Malian partners are also very serious in their support for our principle of energy justice, based on mutual respect and mutual trust," Sergey Tsivilev stated.
The Minister also announced plans to send a Russian business mission to Mali. Speaking about the role of the Intergovernmental Commission session in the wider context of Russia–Africa relations, he noted that this format would serve as a model for the work of other intergovernmental commissions with African partners, including the states of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Documents signed:
- Protocol of the Second Session of the Russia–Mali Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation;
- Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in the field of standardisation between Rosstandart and the Malian Agency for Standardisation and Quality Promotion (AMANORM).
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
