Strengthening alliances: AES and Russia align on security and economic goals
Niamey played host this past Wednesday, July 8, to the second round of high-level consultations between the foreign affairs ministers of the Sahel Alliance Confederation (AES) and their Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
The delegations included Bakary Yaou Sangaré (Niger), Abdoulaye Diop (Mali), and Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré (Burkina Faso). The meeting yielded new areas of alignment between the diplomatic strategies of the four allied nations.
Abdoulaye Diop emphasized the value of the ongoing and productive AES-Russia dialogue, highlighting substantial progress not only in military cooperation but also in economic and trade development, all underpinned by a shared diplomatic vision.
The AES ministers underscored the need to escalate joint military efforts to bolster the operational capabilities of the AES Unified Force. They also prioritized strengthening economic partnerships as part of implementing the Confederation’s Year II roadmap.
Sergey Lavrov restated Russia’s commitment to deepening mutually advantageous ties with the AES, reaffirming his country’s unwavering support for both regional security initiatives and sustainable development projects aimed at improving living conditions for local populations.
The first AES-Russia consultation session took place in Moscow in April 2025, marking the start of a focused African outreach by the Russian foreign minister.