Malian Prime Minister Discusses Defense Cooperation and Air Links with Turkish Vice-President
Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga met with Turkish Vice-President Cevdet Yılmaz on November 10 to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, focused on cooperation in defense, mining, energy, infrastructure, and education. They also addressed the potential resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Bamako. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop emphasized Mali's desire for access to modern technologies and equipment, as well as technology transfer, to develop its own defense capabilities. Diop noted Mali's intention to diversify its international partners, moving away from dependencies, a sentiment underscored by the broad participation of countries like Russia, China, Türkiye, and the United States at the second BAMEX 2026 International Defence and Security Exhibition in Bamako.