ArmInfo. On February 14, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan received the credentials of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mali to the Republic of Armenia, Tiefing Konate. According to the press service of the President, Sargsyan congratulated the Ambassador on taking office, wishing success in the performance of the diplomatic mission. Noting that Armenia attaches great importance to the political dialogue and contacts with the countries of the African region, including with Mali, the President stressed that in our country they are ready to explore the possibilities of cooperation with Mali in different sectors. Sargsyan noted that the interaction between the two countries, although diplomatic relations were established 24 years ago, occurred mainly at international venues. The President of the Republic stressed that in the modern world, geographical distance is no longer an obstacle to deepening relations between the countries, and expressed the hope that with the appointment of Ambassador Konate, the Armenian-Malian relations will develop. Ambassador Mali and President Sargsyan expressed a common opinion that Mali and Armenia, having become independent states, inherited also challenges, which require efforts to confront. They expressed confidence that both countries will overcome these challenges and build a good future. Ambassador of Mali Tiefing Konate expressed his gratitude to President Sargsyan for the reception, assuring that his activities will contribute in every way to the development of bilateral interstate relations. The ambassador informed that he conveyed to President of his country the invitation of President Serzh Sargsyan in October of this year in Yerevan to take part in the summit of Francophonie and expressed gratitude for the invitation. The parties considered the organization of Francophonie to be another platform for the best development of cooperation between Armenia and Mali.