Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey met with Mr. Yacouba Traore, Minister of Religious Affairs and Faith of Mali, on 5 March 2013.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stressed the importance attached by Turkey to the rapid improvement of the situation in Mali which has a strategic location in Africa and is one of the most important centers of Islamic civilization. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu told the Guest Minister about the Turkey's position concerning the situation in Mali as well as the expectations for future of the country. He stated that Turkey was ready to provide every support to Mali including the cooperation in the field of religion.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu underlined that Mali was one of the first countries in which Turkey opened an embassy in line with its policy of opening up to Africa. He added that in this vein, opening of the Malian embassy in Turkey would be welcomed.

Malian Minister briefed Foreign Minister Davutoğlu over the latest developments in Mali and the efforts to restore stability in the country and shared his views on the challenges in this process. Moreover, the Guest Minister stated that Turkey was regarded as a model country for Mali and they would like to diversify and deepen the bilateral cooperation.