Mali’s Foreign Minister Discusses Terrorism Fight and Investment with US Envoy

 On July 21, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop met with William B. Stevens, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West African Affairs and Special Envoy for the Sahel. During their meeting in Bamako, the two officials discussed efforts to combat terrorism as well as opportunities for private American investment in Mali, according to a statement from Mali's Foreign Ministry.

🤝 Key Topics Covered
"We addressed the fight against terrorist groups supported by foreign state sponsors, the ongoing national peace process now being carried out through an inter-Malian dialogue, and prospects for economic cooperation—including attracting more private US investment to Mali as the business climate improves," Diop said following the discussions.

Stevens is currently in Mali on a working visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability.

🌍 Regional and Geopolitical Issues
The two officials also exchanged perspectives on broader regional issues, particularly the evolving political landscape surrounding the Confederation of Sahel States (COSS), which is shaping new alliances and strategies in West Africa.

🇺🇸 US-Africa Relations on the Rise
Earlier in July, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to visit Africa during his second term, reaffirming Washington's interest in expanding access to the continent's critical mineral resources. At a mini-summit in Washington, the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal voiced their readiness to deepen economic ties with the United States.

💼 Outlook
The ongoing diplomatic engagement between Mali and the United States signals progress toward stronger cooperation in both security and economic development. Recent moves by African leaders and Washington also indicate a shared commitment to stability and growth across the region.

Reported by Evgenia Mylnikova