In brief
During a joint communique released on Thursday, Malian transitional president Assimi Goita and Nigerien president Abdourahamane Tiani reaffirmed their commitment to the Confederation of Sahel States and to intensifying the fight against terrorism. They praised the AES Unified Force’s progress, condemned mercenary interference, and agreed to coordinate future security, diplomatic and development policies, including official visits between the two nations. The leaders also welcomed the Unified Force’s gains, pledged to eradicate terror in all its forms, and invited Tiani to visit Mali.
In a joint communique issued on Thursday, Malian transitional president Assimi Goita and Nigerien president Abdourahamane Tiani reaffirmed their commitment to consolidating the Confederation of Sahel States and to intensifying the fight against terrorism, Xinhua reported.
The communique was issued the day after Goita’s working and friendship visit to Niger, during which he was received by Tiani at the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey and the two leaders held a one‑on‑one meeting before chairing a working session attended by members of their delegations.
During the meeting, the two leaders focused on the security situation in the AES region and celebrated the progress made by the AES Unified Force in combating terrorist groups. They reiterated their determination to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and condemned attempts to destabilize AES member states by mercenaries allegedly backed by foreign governments, Xinhua said.
On the diplomatic front, the leaders welcomed the coordination of positions and initiatives among AES countries, describing it as strengthening the confederation’s visibility and standing at the subregional, African and international levels. They highlighted efforts to coordinate policies and programs in areas including free movement of people and goods, transport infrastructure, agro‑industrial development, and exploitation of energy and mineral resources.
Goita invited Tiani to pay an official visit to Mali, an invitation that Tiani accepted. The exact date will be determined through diplomatic channels, the joint communique added.
