Mali and Russia sign agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy
The agreement creates a legal basis for cooperation between Russia and Mali and follows on from a roadmap for developing ties on peaceful uses of nuclear energy signed last year.
The areas covered by the agreement include "the creation and improvement of Mali's nuclear infrastructure in accordance with international recommendations; regulation in the field of nuclear and radiation safety, production of radioisotopes and their use in industry, medicine and agriculture; cooperation in the field of application of radiation technologies and nuclear medicine, training, preparation and retraining of specialists for the nuclear industry".
Alexei Likhachev, Rosatom Director General, said: "The signing of this agreement marks a new stage in the strategic partnership between Russia and Mali. We are pleased to provide our partners with expertise and technology to support sustainable development of energy and science. Joint work in the field of peaceful atoms opens up broad opportunities for both countries and contributes to strengthening friendship and mutual trust."
A statement on the Mali Presidential Office's Facebook account 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."
The agreement was signed during a visit to Russia by Mali's Interim President Assimi Goita in which an agreement was also signed on creating an Intergovernmental Russia-Mali Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. A third agreement was on the foundations of bilateral relations between Mali and the Russian Federation which "demonstrates a shared desire to establish a lasting partnership based on mutual respect, non-interference, and solidarity in international forums".
Following talks which lasted more than two hours, Russia's President Vladimir Putin said: "Our countries have maintained good and trust-based relations over many years. We established diplomatic relations 65 years ago and have continued to cooperate ever since. Over that time, more than 10,000 specialists from your country have been trained in Russia."
Goita said: "Our cooperation is well established in many sectors, including transport, security, culture, sports, and energy ... thanks to this partnership, we are achieving positive results. All of this demonstrates the effectiveness and trust between our countries."
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