Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak is leading discussions on bilateral cooperation in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger A Russian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak on behalf of President Vladimir Putin has begun a diplomatic and economic tour of Sahel nations in Africa, focusing on strengthening ties in trade, energy, and infrastructure.   The delegation arrived in Mali on Thursday and later traveled to Burkina Faso. It is set to conclude the trip in Niger on Friday.