(Ecofin Agency) - Mali has signed several agreements with Chinese companies, signaling the start of a new "strategic partnership" between the two nations. This was announced during the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, with Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting Malian President Assimi Goïta on September 2.

"I propose raising Sino-Malian relations to a strategic partnership to continue building on our traditional friendship and writing new chapters of solidarity and cooperation," Xi said.

One of the key agreements is a memorandum of understanding between the Malian Broadcasting and Transmission Company (SMTD) and Huawei to speed up the "Digital Mali" project. Another deal involves TBEA, a company that has been operating in Mali for five years, which plans to build a 100 MW solar power plant and a transmission line in Kénièba, Kayes region.

Mali’s Minister of Energy and Water, Bintou Camara, also mentioned ongoing talks with PowerChina for two solar power plants at Safo 1 and Safo 2, with a combined capacity of 105 MW. PowerChina previously worked on the Félou and Gouina hydroelectric dams and the expansion of President Modibo Keïta International Airport in 2017.

In addition, a military equipment contract was signed between Mali and Chinese defense company Norinco. This deal includes training, technology transfer, and military support.

Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop held talks with officials from the China International Development Cooperation Agency, resulting in a memorandum for building a solar power plant in Koulikoro with Beikai Zhongdian Group.

China has long been an economic and trade partner of Mali. According to the International Trade Center, the two countries exchanged over $814 million in goods in 2022, with Mali’s imports from China accounting for $802 million. While trade figures have dropped in recent years, both countries aim to expand their economic ties in the future.