Strategic partnerships: AES and Russia elevate shared diplomatic and security efforts
Niamey, Niger’s bustling capital, served as the backdrop for the second round of high-level consultations between foreign affairs ministers of the Sahel Alliance Confederation (AES) and their Russian counterpart, Sergueï Lavrov, on Wednesday, July 8.
The gathering brought together Bakary Yaou Sangaré (Niger), Abdoulaye Diop (Mali), and Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré (Burkina Faso), whose deliberations yielded fresh avenues for collaboration across four allied nations.
Diop emphasized the value of ongoing, productive AES-Russia exchanges, highlighting tangible gains not only in defense cooperation but also in trade and economic development, all underpinned by aligned diplomatic priorities.
In addressing the shared challenge of regional terrorism, the AES ministers underscored the urgency of bolstering joint military efforts to enhance the operational readiness of the AES Unified Force. They also called for deeper economic partnerships to execute the Confederation’s Second-Year Roadmap.
Meanwhile, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s unwavering commitment to a mutually advantageous partnership with the AES, reaffirming Russia’s solidarity and backing for both securing the confederal space and advancing sustainable development to improve livelihoods across the region.
This session follows the inaugural AES-Russia consultations held in Moscow in April 2025, part of Lavrov’s recent diplomatic tour across Africa.
