Rwanda and Mali have agreed to accelerate the implementation of existing cooperation agreements and prepare for a new round of bilateral talks in 2027, Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said in a post on X on Tuesday morning, October 13.
Nduhungirehe’s update followed a meeting in Bamako on Monday, October 12, with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, during a working and friendship visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
The ministers discussed bilateral relations, regional and international affairs, and ways to expand cooperation in areas including security, economic and social development, education and technology, according to Mali’s state news agency, AMAP.
Nduhungirehe said the two governments had agreed to work towards implementing cooperation agreements signed in 2024 and to prepare for the second session of their Joint Permanent Commission, scheduled to take place in Bamako in 2027.
Follow-up teams will review the agreements already signed and examine proposals that remain under negotiation, he said. The two countries also intend to strengthen contacts between their foreign ministries and promote a business forum to expand trade.
The first session of the Rwanda-Mali Joint Permanent Commission was held in Kigali in May 2024, resulting in 19 cooperation agreements covering areas including digitalisation, health, investment promotion and agriculture. The agreements added to earlier arrangements between the two countries.
During the visit, Nduhungirehe also met Mali’s Minister for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, Lieutenant General Ismaël Wagué. Their discussions focused on national unity, reconciliation, security challenges and opportunities for the two countries to share experience.
Rwanda has developed unity and reconciliation programmes following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The meeting with Wagué provided an opportunity to discuss reconciliation efforts and the exchange of experience as Mali faces continuing security challenges.
The visit was the first by a Rwandan foreign affairs minister to Mali since January 2017, according to AMAP. It reflects efforts by both governments to strengthen diplomatic relations and turn existing agreements into practical cooperation.
Mali opened its embassy in Rwanda in February 2017. The planned 2027 commission meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the two governments to review progress on their agreements and consider further areas of cooperation.
