Noida, India – In a meeting held at Noida Film City, renowned Indian media personality Dr. Sandeep Marwah welcomed Mr. Barack Baréma Bocoum, a distinguished diplomat from Mali and the Embassy of Mali’s representative in the United Arab Emirates. The reunion marks an important step toward enhancing cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Mali, with a focus on promoting relations through soft power.

“It was great to see Dr. Sandeep Marwah after years since our meeting in Dubai. Our idea is to develop and promote relations between India and Mali, especially through soft power. Dr. Sandeep Marwah is truly a powerhouse of soft power,” said Mr. Barack Baréma Bocoum during the visit.

Mr. Bocoum, a resident diplomat based in Abu Dhabi, currently oversees Consular Affairs at the Embassy of Mali in the UAE. He played a key role as Focal Point during Expo Dubai 2020 and has strengthened his expertise in diplomacy through previous assignments such as serving at Mali’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Upon his return to Mali, Mr. Bocoum assumed pivotal roles in his country’s government, including as Special Officer in the office of the Mediator of the Republic and later in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His international experience extends to being part of the African Union Observation Mission during the 2018 Egyptian presidential elections.

Reflecting on their fruitful discussion, Dr. Marwah shared his enthusiasm for future collaborations: “It was a wonderful meeting, and I am confident that very soon we will launch the Indo-Mali Film and Cultural Forum. This initiative will bring the people of our two nations closer, fostering deeper cultural understanding.”

The meeting signifies a crucial step toward promoting cultural diplomacy, and both leaders anticipate future initiatives that will bridge India and Mali through the arts, culture, and mutual cooperation.