Algeria vows to help Mali overcome crisis

 

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reiterated on Sunday his country’s readiness to help Mali overcome crisis and restore peace and reconciliation.

“We are at the disposal of our brothers in Mali to help them in what they assume is suitable to maintain serenity ahead of the forthcoming elections according to the plan they have already set,” Tebboune told a joint press conference following talks with visiting Malian President Bah N’Daw.

For his part, the Malian Head of State expressed his satisfaction over the outcomes of his work visit to Algeria, saying “the Malian crisis is difficult and complex, and it is not possible to get out of it without the help of our friends.”

He further noted that “We are grateful for Algeria’s strong support, and that is why we thank both the Algerian government and the people for their solidarity with Mali during these moments.”

Algeria has been contributing since 1991 in the international efforts aiming at restoring peace and settling financial crisis in Mali. It also chairs the Monitoring Committee of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Mali.

Earlier in March, Tebboune denied reports alleging that the North African nation is willing to send troops to Mali to participate in peacekeeping operations there.

“We will maintain our expansion in Africa and outside Africa, but we will not send our soldiers to Mali,” he said.

N’Daw kicked off on Saturday a visit to Algeria to discuss ways to boost ties “at the service of the common interests,” read a statement by Algeria’s President Office.