Sweden to cease aid to Mali over its support for Russia's war against Ukraine
Photo: Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Johan Forsell (Getty Images)
The Swedish government has decided to cease providing assistance to Mali as the junta in the country supports Russia's war against Ukraine. This statement was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Johan Forsell, reports TV4.
Over the last ten years, Sweden has provided development assistance to Mali amounting to over 3.5 billion Swedish kronor (338.9 million dollars).
According to the minister, within the framework of reforms, Swedish aid should not support states or entities that are undemocratic or act against the world order based on rules, thus undermining Swedish interests.
One of the underlying reasons for this decision is that Mali voted against the UN resolution demanding Russia to leave the territory of Ukraine.
"When we cooperate with other countries, we want these countries to be willing to cooperate with Sweden. Instead, the military junta in Mali opposes Russia and supports their full-scale war against Ukraine," said the minister.
Swedish assistance for Ukraine
Recall that on December 11, the Swedish government announced a new aid package of 1.4 billion kronor (133.5 million dollars) for Ukraine. These funds will be used to support Ukrainians during the winter.
Also, on November 26, the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, stated that the country would provide financial assistance to Ukraine. The money will go to the initiative Grain From Ukraine.
