Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with Ibrahim Keita in Abu Dhabi on Saturday before witnessing the signing of a $25 million (Dh91.8m) agreement with the Khalifa Fund to finance projects in Mali.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces welcomed the president of Mali to the Sea Palace, where the two discussed ways to develop relations between the UAE and Mali.
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Keita, who was elected in 2013, spoke of issues of mutual interest - particularly ways to further development and investment opportunities in both countries, reported state news agency Wam.
Mr Keita thanked the UAE for its humanitarian aid, saying the support has contributed to long-term projects in the realms of health, infrastructure and education.
At the end of the meeting, the agreement was signed green-lighting the financing of projects by small and medium-sized enterprises in Mali by the Khalifa Fund.
According to the agreement signed by Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and Dr Boubou Cisse, Minister of Economy and Finance in Mali, the amount will be distributed in equal instalments over the next five years.
The meeting was also attended by Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.
Sheikh Mohamed also met with Gen Austin Miller, commander of Nato's Resolute Support Mission and US Forces-Afghanistan on Saturday.
The two discussed joint coordination in defence affairs and in combating extremism, violence and terrorism.
