FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Since
independence in 1960, Malian governments have shifted from an
ideological commitment to socialism and a policy alignment with
communist states to pragmatism that judges issues and their merits,
welcomes assistance from all sources, and encourages private investment.
The present government, which assumed office in 2002, is committed
to democracy, economic reform, free market policies, regional
integration, and international cooperation on peacekeeping and
counter-terrorism activities.
Mali is
a member of the UN and many of its specialized agencies, including
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank; the
International Labor Organization (ILO); the International Telecommunications
Union (ITU); and the Universal Postal Union (UPU). It also belongs
to the African Union (AU); the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC); the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM); and the African Development
Bank (ADB). Mali also is an associate member of the European Union
(EU).
Mali is
active in regional organizations. It participates in the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African
Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA) for regional economic integration;
Liptako-Gourma Authority, which seeks to develop the contiguous
areas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso; the Niger River Commission;
the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the
Sahel (CILSS); and the Senegal River Valley Development Organization
(OMVS).
U.S.-MALIAN
RELATIONS
U.S.-Malian relations are excellent and expanding. They are based
on shared goals of averting suffering and strengthening democracy.
The bilateral agenda is dominated by efforts to increase broad-based
growth, improve health and educational facilities, promote the
sustainable use of natural resources, reduce the population growth
rate, counter the spread of highly infectious diseases, encourage
regional stability, build peacekeeping capabilities, institutionalize
respect for human rights, and strengthen democratic institutions
in offering good governance. Mali currently is a small market
for U.S. trade and investment, but there is potential for considerable
growth as its economy expands.
Mali is
a leading regional partner in the Global War on Terrorism. Mali
also serves as an important laboratory for testing new anti-malaria
medicines for use by American citizen travelers and for research
that will have an Africa-wide impact. USAID, Peace Corps, and
other U.S. Government programs play a significant role in fostering
sustainable economic and social development. USAID programs also
strengthen efforts to consolidate the peace process in North Mali
and the region's socioeconomic and political integration. Defense
Department security assistance programs and training support help
permit Mali to achieve its potential in international peacekeeping
and counter-terrorism efforts.
DEFENSE
Mali's armed forces number some 7,000 and are under the control of the Minister of Defense and Veterans, as is the National Guard. The Gendarmerie and local police forces are under the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection. The police and gendarmes share responsibility for internal security; the police are in charge of urban areas only. In the 1960s and 1970s, Mali's Army and Air Force relied primarily on the Soviet Union for materiel and training. A few Malians receive military training in the United States, France, and Germany. Under the Pan Sahel Initiative, more troops got training and equipment in 2003-2004 and in subsequent years. Military expenditures total about 13% of the national budget.
Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Terence P. McCulley
Deputy Chief of Mission--Mary Beth Leonard
Director, USAID Mission--Alex Newton
Director, Peace Corps--Kateri Clement
Public Affairs Officer--Stephanie Syptak
Management Officer--Matthew Cook
Political/Economic Officer--Glenn Fedzer
Consular Officer--Rebecca Drame
Defense Attaché--LTC Eric Dalton
The U.S. Embassy is located at ACI 2000 Rue 243, Porte 297, Bamako, tel.: (223) 270 2300, fax: (223) 270 2479. The mailing address is BP 34, Bamako, Mali. The embassy website is http://mali.usembassy.gov/. Embassy hours are 7:30 a.m-5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 7:30 am-11:30 am on Friday.
