Mali-United States relations, while historically friendly, were radically altered by the March 2012 military coup in Mali that ousted the previous democratic government.

According to a 2007 global opinion poll, 79% of Malians view the United States favorably.

Mali also serves as an important laboratory for testing new anti-malaria medicines for use by American citizen travelers and for research that will have an Africa-wide impact.

USAID, Peace Corps, and other U.S. Government programs play a significant role in fostering sustainable economic and social development.

Prior to the March 2012 military coup, USAID programs also served to strengthen efforts to consolidate the peace process in northern Mali and the region's socioeconomic and political integration.