Defense Minister Sadio Camara praised what he dubbed Mali’s “win-win collaboration” with Russia during the transfer ceremony.
Five military aircraft and a combat helicopter have been delivered to Mali by Russia, a strong supporter in the country’s struggle against the Islamic insurgency.
Defence Minister Sadio Camara praised what he dubbed Mali’s win-win collaboration with Russia during the transfer ceremony.
The Mali government posted pictures of the military hardware:
Since a coup in May of last year, relations between the two countries have improved.
The fact that Mali hired Russian mercenaries and the country’s second military takeover in less than a year were the main factors in France’s decision to withdraw its troops from Mali.
Recent weeks have seen a rise in jihadist assaults.
Islamist extremists killed 17 soldiers and four civilians in shootings over the weekend.
22 soldiers were hurt in the attack, according to the army, while nine other soldiers were reported missing.
