Malian transitional President, Colonel Assimi Goïta, is scheduled to arrive in Ouagadougou today as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
According to a press statement from the Burkinabe Presidency on Monday, this marks President Goïta’s first official visit, during which he will meet with Captain Ibrahim Traoré to discuss cooperative relationship between Bamako and Ouagadougou.
The presidency of Faso stated that Colonel Goïta and Captain Traoré will address the challenges of combating terrorism, socio-economic development, and the pursuit of total sovereignty for their respective countries.
Relations between Ouagadougou and Bamako have been strengthened since Captain Ibrahim Traoré assumed power in Burkina Faso following a coup in September 2022.
His first official international trip was to Mali.
In mid-September 2023, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to coordinate their efforts to rid their territories of insurgent groups.
On March 7, 2024, the three countries further solidified their cooperation by announcing the creation of a joint military force to combat armed terrorist groups.
They have also expressed a desire to create a federation free from Western influence.