Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of European Commission, held a meeting today with the Foreign Ministers of Chad, H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, of Niger, H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Yacouba, and of Libya, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Siyala to initiate an exchange on cross-border cooperation. This was the first opportunity to discuss how best to start promoting secure borders between Libya, Niger and Chad.
High Representative Mogherini underlined the joint interest to face together common challenges such as terrorism, smuggling of arms, trafficking in human beings, migrant smuggling, and irregular migration.
The security of Libya, Niger, Chad and the EU are very much linked, she said, and it is also key to the security of the whole sub-region from Northern-Africa to Western Africa, and from Western Africa to the Horn of Africa. This is why it is important for neighbouring countries to cooperate closely.
The HRVP confirmed the EU's readiness to facilitate exchanges and support work between the countries on these issues in full respect of their ownership and sovereignty. The EU is already engaged in EU CSDP missions in Mali (EUTM Mali, EUCAP Sahel Mali) and in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) which are enhancing their efforts in order to provide further assistance to border/transit areas in Niger (Agadez region, but also Tahoua and Zinder) as well as the Lake Chad basin in the South
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of European Union.
Source: Apo-Opa
Did you find this information helpful? If you did, consider donating.