Mali – Meeting between Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Malian counterpart (Paris, Feb. 28)

Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, received Tiébilé Dramé, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, today.

This visit took place a few days after the unacceptable remarks made by the ambassador of Mali to France regarding French army units. We deplored these remarks made by the ambassador of an allied country, where our armies are deployed at the request of the Malian authorities, alongside our partners, in order to combat terrorism. We have taken note of the decision by the Malian authorities to recall Ambassador Toumani Djimé Diallo.

The visit by Tiébilé Dramé, who is meeting with the French authorities - government officials as well as national representatives -, reflects our countries’ shared determination, within the framework of the new momentum created by the summit in Pau, to continue our close cooperation in support of the Sahel, its inhabitants and common security issues.