Malian Transitional President Assimi Goïta landed in Moscow on Sunday, June 22, 2025, for a multi-day state visit aimed at deepening strategic cooperation between Mali and the Russian Federation. The visit, scheduled to run until June 26, comes at a critical moment for both countries amid shifting alliances and intensifying geopolitical realignments in the Sahel.

General Goïta was accompanied by a high-ranking ministerial delegation, including Mali’s ministers of defense, energy, and foreign affairs. At his departure from Modibo Keïta International Airport in Bamako, he was seen off by Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga and members of the National Transitional Council. The high-profile send-off underscored the significance of the trip.

According to statements released by the Kremlin and Mali’s presidency, Goïta is expected to hold formal talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, June 23. Discussions are expected to focus on expanding military cooperation, trade, natural resource partnerships, and infrastructure development. Security will likely top the agenda, particularly Mali’s ongoing fight against extremist insurgents and its efforts to consolidate regional military alliances.

Mali has dramatically shifted its foreign policy orientation in recent years, distancing itself from traditional Western partners like France and strengthening ties with Russia. Russian military support, once provided through Wagner mercenaries, now continues via the Russian state-backed Africa Corps, which remains active across several Malian regions. Recent joint military exercises and weapons deliveries have solidified that cooperation.

The timing of the visit also coincides with Mali’s recent launch of a Russian-backed gold refinery project near Bamako, part of President Goïta’s broader drive for economic sovereignty and value-added resource development.

Diplomatic observers say the visit could lead to new defense agreements and energy cooperation deals. Russia has publicly committed to supporting Mali and other Sahelian states—Burkina Faso and Niger—through the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which opposes French and Western military presence in the region.