Foreign relations of Mali

Mali
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Following independence in 1960, Mali initially followed a socialist path and was aligned ideologically with the communist bloc. Mali's foreign policy orientation became increasingly pragmatic and pro-Western over time. Since the institution of a democratic form of government in 1992, Mali's relations with the West in general and the United States in particular have improved significantly. U.S.-Malian relations are described by the U.S. Department of State as "excellent and expanding," especially given Mali's recent record of democratic stability in the volatile area of West Africa and its avowed support of the war on terrorism. Mali is reported to be one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid in Africa.[1]

Mali is active in regional organizations such as the African Union. Working to control and resolve regional conflicts, such as in Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, is one of Mali's major foreign policy goals. Mali feels threatened by the potential for the spillover of conflicts in neighboring states, and relations with those neighbors are often uneasy. General insecurity along borders in the north, including cross-border banditry and terrorism, remain troubling issues in regional relations.[1]

Although Azawad, a region spanning the expansive north of Mali, was proclaimed independent in April 2012 by Tuareg rebels, Mali has not recognised the de facto state.[2] Britain has closed its embassy; ECOWAS has declared an embargo against Mali, aiming to squeeze out Malinese oil supplies; closed Mali's assets in the ECOWAS regional bank and has prepared a potential intervention force of 3,000 troops. France has declared it will assist in a potential intervention.[3]

Multilateral membership

Mali is a member of the United Nations (and many of its specialized agencies), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). It also belongs to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU); Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Non-Aligned Movement (NAM); an associate member of the European Community (EC); and African Development Bank (ADB).

Mali is active in regional organizations. It participates in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA) for regional economic integration; Liptako-Gourma Authority, which seeks to develop the contiguous areas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso; the Niger River Commission; the Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel (CILSS); and the Senegal River Valley Development Organization (OMVS).

Bilateral relations

Algeria

During the Tuareg rebellion of 2012, the Algerian consulate was seized by at least two people wearing explosives belts. Seven hostages were taken, including the Consul. In regards to Azawad's UDI, Algeria's Prime Minister has declared it would never "accept questioning Mali's territorial integrity" Algeria has planned to co-ordinate with MNLA to work towards freeing the hostages.

Canada

Mali established its embassy in Canada in 1978 at 50 avenue Golburn in Ottawa, with its 1st appointed ambassador Zana Ousmane Dao,[4] while Canada's embassy in Mali has been open since 1995.[5] Canada has moved from Mali's sixth-largest donor of bilateral official development assistance in 2000 to third-largest in 2007.[6] The value of Canada's exports of goods to Mali exceeded imports from Mali by Cdn.$22m. between 1990-2008.[7] Natural Resources Canada estimated that Canadian mining investment in Mali reached Cdn.$500 million in 2009,[8] and in 2005, 73 mining concessions were held by Canadian firms in Mali.[9]

China

The People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Mali on 25 October 1960.[10]

France

Mali has a longstanding relationship with France, its former colonial ruler, but relations have been described as ambivalent rather than close. Mali dropped out of the Franc Zone shortly after independence, not rejoining until 1967. One contentious issue between the two nations is the frequent expulsion of illegal Malian immigrants from France since 1996.[1]

However, France has played a significant part in helping Mali via military support in the Northern Mali conflict, with soldiers of the two nations' armies working together to take back territory from the rebels.[11]

India

Libya

Main article: Libya-Mali relations

Mauritania

Since Mauritania negotiated a boundary dispute with Mali in 1963, ties between the two countries have been mostly cordial.[14] Mali and Mauritania have cooperated on several development projects, such as the OMVS and a plan to improve roads between Nouakchott and Bamako.[14] This cooperation somewhat lessened Mali's dependence on Senegal and Ivory Coast.[14] Although relations were warm with other black African states, since 1965 the orientation of Mauritania's foreign policy has been geared towards relations with North African countries.[14]

Pakistan

Pakistan supports the integrity and sovereignty of Mali.

Russia

Russia has an embassy in Bamako, and Mali has an embassy in Moscow.

South Korea

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Mali is 27 September 1990 and In (2011) Number of South Koreans living in Mali: 17.[15]

United States

There is a U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali.

The bilateral agenda is dominated by efforts to increase broad-based growth, improve health and educational facilities, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, reduce the population growth rate, counter the spread of highly infectious diseases, encourage regional stability, build peacekeeping capabilities, institutionalize respect for human rights, and strengthen democratic institutions in offering good governance. Mali currently is a small market for U.S. trade and investment, but there is potential for considerable growth as its economy expands.[16]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mali country profile. Library of Congress Federal Research Division (January 2005). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ↑ "Tuareg rebels declare the independence of Azawad, north of Mali". Al Arabiya. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  3. ↑ http://news.yahoo.com/mali-rebels-declare-independence-north-102935627.html
  4. ↑ L'Ambassadeur Mamadou Bandiougou Diawara, Welcome, Mali Embassy website.
  5. ↑ Government of Canada, Canada - Mali Relations, web page, Date Modified: 2009-07-06.
  6. ↑ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. "ODA Total, Net disbursements", OECD.Stat, ODA by Recipient by country, extracted on 30 July 2009 03:34 UTC.
  7. ↑ Industry Canada. "Trade by Product (HS Codes)", Trade Data Online, Trade Type: Trade Balance.
  8. ↑ Government of Canada. Canada - Mali Relations, Modified: 2009-07-06
  9. ↑ Natural Resources Canada. 2006. Canadian minerals yearbook, p.7.23
  10. ↑ http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/focac/183436.htm
  11. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22664484
  12. ↑ Indian Embassy in Mali
  13. ↑ Mali Embassy in India
  14. 1 2 3 4 Handloff, Robert E. "Relations with Other African States". In Mauritania: A Country Study (Robert E. Handloff, editor). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (June 1988). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  15. ↑ http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/middleeast/countries/20070824/1_24472.jsp?menu=m_30_50
  16. ↑ "Background Note: Mali". US State Department.
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