China, Mali reach military accord

Bamako, Mali (PANA) – Mali and China on Friday signed a military agreement under which the Asian country will provide a logistic support, worth CFA Franc 1.4 billion, to the African country, official sources told PANA here.

Under the agreement, Mali will buy 20 pick-up vehicles to further equip its army in efforts towards recapturing and securing its northern territory from rebels.

The logistic support, the second from China, brings to CFA Franc 2.8 billion the Asian country’s financial aid to the West African country which is prosecuting the war against the rebels.

The accord was signed in the Malian capital by the Malian Defence Minister, Gen. Yamoussa Camara, and the Chinese Ambassador to Mali, Cao Zhongmin.
-0- PANA GT/AAS/IBA/PAN/VAO 8March2013