“An important stage that confirms the country’s commitment and the international community’s good investment. Mali is a priority country for Italy because we are neighbours”, stated Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mario Giro, in Bamako today for the inauguration of the President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubachar Keita. The inauguration is a major step in the country’s process of national reconciliation and democratic transition, following last year’s ouster of President Touré and the African Union’s subsequent military operation in the country’s north.
“The people and the democratic forces of Mali have met important deadlines, demonstrating their will to change and earning the full support of the international community”, Giro asserted.
“Italy considers Mali, and all the countries of the Sahel, strategic neighbours that, along with our European partners, we are committed to supporting. President Keita is facing the major challenges of change and development, and Italy is ready ensure him its support”, the Under-Secretary concluded.
