EU representative visits Mali over immigration issues

A representative of the presidency of the European Union has paid a visit to Mali, the first step in his African tour. Issues of immigration were top on the list of the visit, AFP reports.

The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bert Koenders whose country ensures the rotating presidency of the European Union visited the West Africa country to inquire into the status of implementation of the commitments made at the 2015 summit in Valletta on migration.

The former head of the United Nations mission in the country visited the UN force camp in Minusma, its headquarters and the police border.

“I was interested in Mali’s procedures for identification of persons in relation to a request for a passport. And I have seen it and I am impressed to see how the procedures are here,” he said.

The European leaders on November 2015 at Valletta have announced the launch of a 108 billion euros assistance fund to Africa for better management of migration flows.

In exchange, African countries were expected to cooperate for a better readmission of their migrants expelled from Europe.

The EU stands united with the rest of the international community in condemning all terrorist acts, as well as other violent acts and violations of human rights which continue to take place in Mali.

It also reaffirms its support to the Malian authorities to put an end to the scourge of terrorism and bring those responsible to justice.

AFP