Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, held talks with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, on the sidelines of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville.
According to the Malian Foreign Ministry, the meeting focused on shared concerns, particularly the issue of Malian migration to Spain and ways to better manage it and reduce its negative impacts.
The two ministers also explored the possibility of signing a seasonal migration agreement that would regulate the movement of Malian workers to Spain in a manner that serves the interests of both countries.
They also reviewed the security and political situation in Mali and the Alliance of Sahel States, including the bloc’s relations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The discussion highlighted the need to strengthen regional and international cooperation in addressing common challenges, especially in combating terrorism and promoting stability.
Among the topics raised was the possibility of establishing direct flights between Bamako and Madrid, aimed at facilitating mobility and boosting trade and tourism between the two nations.
The ministers agreed to set up a joint Mali-Spain cooperation committee tasked with monitoring and implementing bilateral projects and agreements.
This meeting is part of a series of diplomatic engagements by Mali’s top diplomat with international counterparts. Earlier in June, Diop met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, and with Malian Minister of Reconciliation, Peace and National Unity, Ismaël Wagué, to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between Mali and Russia in political, security, and economic domains.
These diplomatic efforts reflect Mali’s ongoing commitment to deepening international cooperation amid current regional and global challenges.
