Niamey, Niger’s bustling capital, played host this past Wednesday, July 8, to the second round of high-level consultations between foreign ministers of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
The gathering brought together Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Mali’s Abdoulaye Diop, and Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré. Together, they mapped out fresh avenues for collaboration, reinforcing the diplomatic alignment between the four nations.
Speaking on behalf of the AES delegation, Mali’s Diop highlighted the «fruitful and consistent exchanges» between the alliance and Russia, pointing to tangible advances in both security cooperation and economic development. He underscored how these interactions align with a shared diplomatic vision that prioritizes regional stability and growth.
During the closed-door sessions, the AES ministers emphasized the urgency of ramping up joint military efforts to bolster the operational readiness of the Alliance’s unified force. They also called for stronger economic partnerships to advance the goals outlined in the Second Year Roadmap of the AES Confederation.
For his part, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to deepening its mutually advantageous ties with the AES. He stressed Moscow’s unwavering support for both regional security initiatives and sustainable development projects aimed at improving living conditions across the Sahel.
This Niamey meeting follows the inaugural AES-Russia consultations held in Moscow last April, part of a broader diplomatic tour by the Russian foreign minister across the African continent.
