Telephone call between Minister Guerini and his French counterpart Florence Parly

Roma 24 January 2022

Guerini: “Our engagement in the Sahel remains a priority and is fundamental for the security interests of all of Europe”

Telephone call between Minister Guerini and his French counterpart Florence Parly

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A telephone call between Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini and French Defence Minister Florence Parly has taken place today in the afternoon, focusing on the security situation in Mali and in the Sahel.

Minister Guerini started the call by expressing, on Italy’s behalf, his condolences and closeness on the death of French soldier Alexandre Martin as a result of last Saturday’s attack against the Base of Operations in Gao, Mali.

During the call, the two ministers reiterated the continuity of the commitment in the Sahel, described as “a priority of fundamental importance for the security interests of all of Europe”. They expressed their hope for a “strong synergic action” by all EU member countries, with the aim of protecting what was done until now for the development and security of the whole Sahel region and in support of African regional Organizations.

The ministers agreed on the need to keep focusing on the situation in Mali, expressing their concern for Wagner’s structured presence in that area. Collective consultations between all Task Force Takuba member countries – at both Foreign Affairs and Defence level- on the consequences of the instability level in Mali and its impact on the operational plan have been ongoing over the last few days.

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