Minister
of State for External Affairs, H.E Mr. MJ Akbar visited Mali on a
bilateral official visit from March 2-3, 2017. During his visit to
Mali, he co-chaired the first ever Joint Commission Meeting (JCM)
between India and Mali along with the Foreign Minister of Mali H.E
Mr. Abdoulaye Diop. The cordial discussions reviewed the bilateral
engagement between the countries in various sectors like agriculture,
energy etc and laid out areas of future co-operation, particularly in
security and technology.
2. Both
parties expressed satisfaction at the enhancement of bilateral
relations and progress achieved in implementation of outcomes from
the visit of Hon’ble Vice-President of India H.E Mr. Hamid Ansari
to Mali in September 2016. Minister MJ Akbar reiterated India’s
commitment to Mali’s geographical and ideological integrity and
assured India’s support for its sovereignty and territorial
integrity. Minister Diop thanked India for its generous assistance of
USD 0.5 million for the reconstruction of the world heritage of
Timbuktu. India would be hosting the largest exhibition of Timbuktu
manuscripts titled “When Taj Mahal meets Timbuktu” later this
year.
3. Both
parties identified terrorism as a grave threat to peace and
prosperity and agreed to co-operate at a bilateral, regional and
multi-lateral level to combat this menace. Both sides also exchanged
views on issues of common interest such as UN reforms, development
issues, South-South co-operation and promotion of renewable energy.
4. Both
sides were pleased at the outcome of the first JCM and agreed to hold
the next meeting of the JCM at a mutually convenient date in 2019.
Minister MJA Akbar thanked Minister Abdoulaye Diop for the warmth and
hospitality extended to him and his delegation and invited him to
visit India to carry forward the discussions. Minister Diop accepted
the invitation with pleasure.
5. Minister
Akbar’s visit would be followed by a series of high-level visits
from Mali to India including the visit of Minister of Culture and
Minister of Investment Promotion and Private Sector.
March 3, 2017
