The diplomatic relations between the countries date back to October 14, 1960.

Before 1991, the USSR had rendered considerable assistance, almost in all essential fields, to Mali in establishing itself as an independent state. The Soviet Union and the nascent country signed 30-plus government-to-government agreements. These led to a full-scale geological exploration initiative, construction of a cement plant, stadium in Bamako, vocational-technical school and hospital, and airport in Gao, as well as establishment of Mali’s National Society for Exploration and Utilization of National Resources and the Kalana gold mining facility. The USSR constructed in Mali six educational facilities, including an Agricultural Polytechnic School, Higher Education Administrative School, and Medical School, free of charge. Soviet and Russian educational facilities trained more than 10,000 Malian specialists. Military and technical domain was not left outside the scope of cooperation. The Soviet Union exported MiG-21 fighters and Mi-type helicopters to Mali.

Today, Mali confirms its interest in strengthening partnership with Russia.

The Parliaments are involved into cooperation as well. The Malian Parliament run a Mali-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group founded in June 1993.

In May 2009, the partners established a joint working group for combating terrorism and organized crime.

The Development of military and technical cooperation is governed by the Intergovernmental Agreement signed in Moscow on March 25, 2003.

In September 2012, Russia and Mali signed a deal for supply of Kalashnikov assault rifles, machine-guns, and ammunition for them.