Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Robert Karem met with Malian Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Tièna Coulibaly on September 26, 2017 at the Pentagon. 

Mr.  Karem and Minister Coulibaly affirmed the significance of the bilateral relationship and discussed efforts to address security issues facing Mali and the Sahel, to include U.S. support for the G5 Sahel Force initiative and shared interests in combatting terrorism. Additionally, they discussed ongoing defense institution building initiatives in Mali. Both recognized the importance of implementing the Algiers Peace Accord.