?Nigeria and Mali have pledged to deepen direct political consultations and enhance cooperation to combat complex security and development issues across the Sahel and West Africa.

?The commitment was reached during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdoulaye Diop, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

?Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the deep-rooted historical connections between both nations, stressing that a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Sahel is vital to regional stability.

She pointed out that cross-border threats—such as terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, human trafficking, arms proliferation, and illicit financial flows—demand robust, coordinated regional responses and African-led solutions.

?The diplomatic talks encompassed the evolving relationship between Mali and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the developments surrounding the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), African Union peace initiatives, and broader regional integration.

Both ministers also explored strategic avenues to boost bilateral trade, energy collaboration, mobility, and economic ties between both countries.

?Reaffirming Nigeria’s willingness to maintain constructive diplomatic channels, Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the importance of mutual support within multilateral forums.

The engagement builds on earlier high-level agreements in July 2026, where both nations resolved to reactivate the Nigeria-Mali Joint Commission and prioritize key sectors including security, trade, energy, managing irregular migration, and implementing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).