context1: In an effort to curtail tensions, the two countries formed a joint commission to examine disputes. In December 1988, Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Rajiv Gandhi concluded a <strong>pact</strong> not to attack each other's nuclear facilities. <strong>Agreements</strong> on cultural exchanges and civil aviation were also initiated.
context2: Following the collapse of the Mali Federation, and due to French support for Senegal, Modibo Keïta, the first President of Mali, sought closer ties with the Soviet Union. In 1961 the two countries signed trade and cultural <strong>pacts</strong>, and the Soviet Union granted Mali loans and other aid, which included the acquisition of two Ilyushin Il-18 passenger aircraft for Air Mali. Under the cultural <strong>agreement</strong> Russia sent circus performers, sports coaches and a soccer team to Mali.