NewzVille Desk
Russia and the West African countries, making up the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – have pledged to strengthen military cooperation, according to a joint statement issued after talks in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Moscow wants to deepen cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in support of the bloc’s integration efforts and security priorities.
Lavrov arrived in Niger on an official visit aimed at strengthening security and defense partnerships with the AES countries, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
This visit comes as part of Moscow’s ongoing efforts to expand its political and military influence in the region, which is facing escalating security challenges.
