AES and Russia Move to Deepen Ties with New Economic and Trade Agreements

The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) is preparing to deepen cooperation with Russia through the signing of new agreements aimed at expanding economic and trade relations.

The development follows talks held on Tuesday between Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, and the Russian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Igor Martynov. The meeting laid the groundwork for a forthcoming high-level engagement between Russia and the AES bloc, which comprises Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Officials confirmed that several bilateral agreements are expected to be concluded later this year. Discussions also highlighted plans to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing relations between Burkina Faso and Russia, alongside broader cooperation at the AES level.

Two major agreements are set to be finalised in the near term. One will define the fundamental principles guiding relations between the two countries, while the other will establish a Russian-Burkinabè Intergovernmental Commission aimed at boosting economic cooperation, trade exchanges and investment.

On regional security, Ambassador Martynov stressed the importance of dialogue between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the AES, while reaffirming Russia’s support for Sahelian states, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts and within international organisations.

In response, Minister Traoré said Burkina Faso is currently developing a roadmap for its tenure as chair of the AES. He noted that the document would outline strategic priorities and guide future engagement with regional institutions, including ECOWAS, following consultations with Mali and Niger.

The planned agreements signal a deepening of Russia’s engagement with the Sahel region as AES members seek to diversify diplomatic, economic and security partnerships.