President of the Government of Spain takes part in extended G5 Sahel Summit

In a recorded video, Pedro Sánchez claimed that multilateralism and international cooperation based on mutual trust will lead to better solutions for the Sahel. "Joint work is vital for avoiding the threat of terrorism and violence exacerbating a tough humanitarian crisis and a difficult socio-economic situation that has further worsened as a result of the pandemic", he said.

In light of the increase in terrorist violence in the region, the President of the Government highlighted Spain's contribution to security through the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali, currently headed up by a Spanish general, a mission that our country is the leading contributor to in terms of troop numbers. "This contribution will be significantly increased over the coming months", announced Pedro Sánchez. Spain's commitment in this field also includes the provision of air transport from the base in Dakar, providing support to Operation Barkhane, MINUSMA and the G5 Sahel Joint Force.

The President of the Government also highlighted the success of such European projects as the P3S initiative of the Partnership for Security and Stability in the Sahel, which Spain contributes to by heading up, among other missions, the GAR-SI Sahel, a project that France, Italy and Portugal collaborate on with the aim of extending a State presence throughout the region, protecting citizens and ensuring the provision of basic services.

Lastly, Pedro Sánchez called for efforts to be stepped up to cater for the most vulnerable people and boost socio-economic development in the region. He underlined Spain's development cooperation in the Sahel, contributing more than 100 million euros and participating in almost 100 projects

Monitoring of extraordinary Summit in Nouakchott

The G5 Sahel Summit in N'Djamena stems from the extraordinary meeting in Nouakchott (Mauritania) on 30 June 2020, which President of the Government Sánchez also attended, at which it was agreed to boost the application of international humanitarian law and human rights, consolidate the rule of law, inclusive governance and intracommunity dialogue in the G5 Sahel countries.

Within the framework of the Summit in N'Djamena, the 2nd General Assembly of the Sahel Alliance was also held, which Spain presides through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Tuesday's extended G5S Summit, which different countries and international organisations have taken part in that contribute to security in the Sahel.

Non official translation