Russia holds talks with Sahel states on defense cooperation

Russia’s defense ministry said Thursday that Defense Minister Andrei Belousov had held talks with his counterparts from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, telling them that “Moscow is prepared to offer comprehensive support to help ensure stability in the Sahel region,” Al Arabiya English reported. An MoU was signed by all four participants plans to deepen military collaboration. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have cut ties with Western nations, particularly France, since military takeovers, turning instead to Russia for support.