Russian President Vladimir Putin received a phone call today, Sunday, from the transitional leader of the Republic of Mali, Assimi Goita, discussing the development of bilateral relations and ways to resolve the situation in Niger.

The Kremlin noted in a statement that Putin expressed his condolences during the conversation for the victims of the attack carried out by terrorists on September 7 in northeastern Mali, which claimed the lives of at least 49 civilians and 15 soldiers.

According to the statement, the conversation involved a detailed exchange of views on practical measures to continue developing Russian-Malian cooperation in various fields, including trade, economic, humanitarian, and counter-terrorism.

Goita also thanked the Russian side for their support during the recent vote in the United Nations Security Council regarding the lifting of international sanctions on Mali.

When discussing issues related to ensuring stability in West Africa and the Sahel region, both sides emphasized the necessity of resolving the situation in the Republic of Niger through political and diplomatic means.