Mali receives more military hardware from Russia.
The reception was widely reported in state media, which praised Russia's increased support for Mali in counter-insurgency operations.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
Mali has received a new shipment of military weapons from Russia, following the suspension of the European Union's military training program with the Sahel country.
Maj Gen Oumar Diarra, the head of Mali's armed forces, received two combat helicopters and observation radars, according to a statement from the Malian presidency.
The equipment was delivered by a Russian cargo jet at the airport in Bamako, according to a video provided by the presidency.
Mr. Diarra described Russia's assistance to Mali as "an expression of a very fruitful friendship."
Mali acquired two Russian-made combat helicopters and radars last month, following allegations that its defense minister and air force chief had visited Moscow "quietly."
The reception was widely reported in state media, which praised Russia's increased support for Mali in counter-insurgency operations.
Following worldwide criticism of its decision to deploy mercenaries from the dubious Wagner paramilitary group in December, Mali has defended its connections with Russia.
This prompted France's Operation Barkhane forces and European troops under the Takuba Task Force to continue their withdrawal.
In recent months, Wagner fighters and the Malian army have been linked to charges of grave human rights violations in combined counter-insurgency operations, which Mali denies.
