Global Issues
Putin Discusses Bilateral Questions with Sassou-Nguesso and Assimi Goïta -By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
According to the official transcript, Malian Assimi Goïta and Congolese Sassou-Nguesso, did not congratulate President Vladimir Putin for the successful re-election mid-March, but the Kremlin said the leaders by phone agreed to continue their contacts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, on March 27, held phone conversation with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou-Nguesso and with Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goïta at their initiative. Both African leaders resolutely condemned the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue and offered his deep condolences to the people of Russia.
On his part, Putin reassured to strengthen Russia-Mali ties in various fields, including the implementation of joint projects in energy, agriculture, and mining sector. Assimi Goïta expressed special gratitude for the deliveries of Russian wheat, fertiliser, and fuel, free of charge. Putin and Goïta also exchanged opinions in the context of the uneasy situation in the Sahara-Sahel region, and agreed to step up practical interaction to counter terrorism.
With Congolese DenisSassou-Nguesso, who expressed his deep condolences and solidarity with the Russian Federation in connection with the barbaric terrorist attack at Crocus City, Putin reassured the implementation of agreements reached following their meeting at the Russia–Africa Summit in July 2023.
According to the official transcript, Malian Assimi Goïta and Congolese Sassou-Nguesso, did not congratulate President Vladimir Putin for the successful re-election mid-March, but the Kremlin said the leaders by phone agreed to continue their contacts.
From the historical records, March 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Republic of the Congo. In this context, the presidents reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the further development of active bilateral interaction in the political, trade and economic, cultural, humanitarian, and other areas.
Congo, with an estimated 5.3 million population and the fourth largest oil producer in the Gulf of Guinea, is located in the central-western part of sub-Saharan Africa, along the Equator. Mali, now under military rule, is soliciting Russia’s military assistance for ensuring peace and security in the Saharan-Sahel region. Mali, home to nearly 20 million people, is a landlocked country located on rivers Senegal and Niger in West Africa.
