BAMEX 2025, one of the largest defense industry exhibitions ever held in Africa, continues at full speed in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Turkish defense companies are meeting with high-level delegations not only from Mali but from across the continent. Defense cooperation, security and strategic partnerships remain at the core of Türkiye–Mali relations.

Speaking to TRT Haber, Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop addressed recent international reports claiming that “the Malian government is collapsing and the capital may fall.” Diop rejected these narratives, describing them as “Western-driven disinformation.” He stated that certain Western powers are unhappy about losing their influence over Mali and are attempting to create chaos to justify a return. “They want to leave nothing behind and make our people say ‘we wish they had stayed,’ but they will fail,” he said.

Diop highlighted the importance of Turkey as a strategic partner, noting that a decade ago Mali did not possess drones, while today its security forces operate advanced UAV and UCAV systems. He added that Mali has acquired highly specialized electronic warfare technologies from Türkiye—systems they could not purchase from other countries even with full payment. According to Diop, Turkey’s willingness to share such sensitive capabilities demonstrates both courage and trust, significantly contributing to Mali’s security and development.

The minister stressed that the partnership extends beyond arms procurement. Mali aims to build a sustainable defense industry of its own, and cooperation with Türkiye is crucial in this regard. Collaboration is deepening not only in defense and security but also in trade, education and technology. Diop underlined the presence of Turkish companies, Turkish Airlines, the Maarif Foundation, and Turkish investors in Mali as indicators of Ankara’s growing footprint. He praised Türkiye’s fair, respectful and constructive approach, stating that “We want to work more with Türkiye in every field. We are both Muslim nations, and Türkiye truly stands by us.”

As Mali works to strengthen its internal security and establish self-sufficiency in defense, Turkish support is becoming a strategic pillar in this transformation. Türkiye’s expanding presence in Africa—military, technological and educational—continues to reshape bilateral ties on a long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial basis.