Tunis, Tunisia — The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday, 14 April 2010, in Tunis received a Malian delegation led by the country's energy and water minister, Igor Diarra. The delegation was received on Wednesday afternoon by AfDB president, Donald Kaberuka. Discussions during the meeting focused on AfDB-Mali cooperation as well as the financing of a number of projects in the country.

"In Mali, the Bank is involved in the most useful areas. It has helped us to gain a better understanding of water and its management. The Bank has also helped us in the area of agriculture; something that has enabled our country to be Africa's largest cereals producer," the Malian energy and water minister said at the end of his meeting with the AfDB president.

For Malian authorities, the water sector constitutes a real economic and social issue. It is also a key factor in efforts at checking poverty and attaining the MDGs.

"With regard to energy and water, the AfDB has done a lot for us, though we still have a long way to go. However, this partnership is encouraging and we are determined to collaborate with the Bank in order to maintain and even step up the current positive momentum," Mr. Diarra said, adding that "Thanks to AfDB facilities, we have been able to expand access to water and sanitation in Mali to 73%; one of the MDGs Mali may attain."

It is a record in the sub-region. With regard to safe drinking water "the conditions are in place and we are counting on our traditional partners in this regard," he stressed.