Mali approached Russian companies, Moscow not involved: Lavrov
Al Jazeera
Russian foreign minister says Mali’s turn towards private Russian companies done ‘on legitimate basis’, as France plans to reduce its military presence.
Mali has asked Russian private companies to boost security in the conflict-torn country, Russia’s foreign minister confirmed, adding that Moscow was not involved.
“This is activity which has been carried out on a legitimate basis,” Sergey Lavrov told reporters on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday. “We have nothing to do with that,” he added.
Earlier this week, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc’s ties with Mali could be seriously affected if it allows Russian private military contractors from the controversial Wagner Group to operate in the country.
