Soviet-Malian Agreements

Diplomatic relations were established between the USSR and Mali on Oct. 8–14, 1960. An agreement on economic and technical cooperation was concluded on Mar. 18, 1961. Under this agreement the USSR assisted Mali in conducting geological prospecting, in providing vocational and technical instruction, and in training national cadres. The USSR also rendered assistance for such projects as the construction of a cement factory and the building of an educational center and extended credit. On Mar. 18, 1961, the two countries concluded agreements on trade and cultural cooperation. An agreement was also concluded on air transportation (Mar. 20, 1962).

In addition, the USSR granted a loan to provide economic and technical assistance to Mali in developing state agricultural branches of the Niger Office (Oct. 10, 1962; extended Nov. 26, 1970). The USSR also made an outright grant to assist Mali in building a center for agricultural training, a school of higher administration, and a medical school (Jan. 5, 1963). The countries also concluded agreements on the construction, as a gift, of an advanced party school in Bamako (June 15, 1965) and on cooperation in broadcasting (Mar. 15, 1967).