BAMAKO — In a stark rebuke to Sweden's recent suspension of development aid, Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop emphasized on Friday that the lives of Malian soldiers are of "inestimable value," overshadowing any foreign assistance.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this assertion came after Swedish Foreign Minister Johan Forssell announced the halt of aid due to Mali's diplomatic shift concerning Ukraine, which Sweden views as an alignment with Russia in its conflict against Kyiv. Mali, however, regards its stance as a necessary distancing from Ukraine, accusing it of supporting terrorism against Malian forces. Diop harshly criticized Minister Forssell's attempt to clear Ukraine of such allegations, labeling it as lacking compassion towards Mali and a provocation in the wake of Sweden's severe steps to end bilateral cooperation and shut its embassy in Bamako, slated for December 21, 2023, and June 20, 2024, respectively.

Diop also highlighted the recent expulsion of Swedish Ambassador Kristina Khnel from Bamako, effective within 72 hours of the announcement. He further condemned the "condescending attitude" of certain Western nations towards Mali's sovereign decisions, especially its efforts to combat terrorism and bolster ties with the Russian Federation. The Malian government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and interests despite external pressures and diplomatic tactics employed by countries like Sweden.