African Union Commission (AUC) President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Monday met with Mali’s transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, at the Koulouba Palace in Bamako, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and addressing the country’s security, humanitarian and development challenges.
The meeting, held on July 13, underscored the African Union’s continued solidarity with Mali as it confronts terrorism and works toward restoring stability and constitutional order.
President Goïta welcomed Youssouf’s visit, describing it as a strong demonstration of the African Union’s solidarity with the Malian government and its people.
During the discussions, Youssouf expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and paid tribute to Mali’s rich civilization, history and cultural heritage. He also commended the resilience of the Malian people in the face of the country’s ongoing challenges.
The AUC president acknowledged the efforts of President Goïta and the Malian authorities to strengthen national stability and combat terrorism, stressing that the security threat extends beyond national borders and requires sustained collective action across the continent.
Reaffirming the African Union’s support, Youssouf said the continental body remains committed to assisting Mali in addressing its humanitarian and development priorities through institutions including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
He further reiterated the AU’s readiness to accompany Mali in its efforts to consolidate stability, strengthen national cohesion, facilitate a return to constitutional order, and advance sustainable peace and development.
Youssouf also praised President Goïta’s commitment to promoting good neighbourliness and regional cooperation, describing such efforts as essential to enhancing peace and stability across West Africa.
For his part, President Goïta reaffirmed Mali’s commitment to maintaining close dialogue with the African Union and continuing to work with the continental organization on issues of mutual interest.
Earlier on Monday, Youssouf held talks with Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before proceeding to the presidential palace for his meeting with President Goïta.
