Moscow welcomes EU decision to train Mali servicemen
MOSCOW. April 4 (Interfax) - Moscow said that establishing the EU training mission in Mali for local servicemen was a practical contribution in securing Mali in the post-conflict period.
"We think that opening this mission, equally with other efforts of the world community, is a practical contribution in forming effective security in Mali in the post-conflict period. We expect that partners' cooperation, including the EU, will increase Mali's potential to stabilize the situation in the country and establish comprehensive political and national dialogue in Mali," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that it took into account Brussels statements that the EU has launched the EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with its headquarters in the Malian capital of Bamako to train around 600 local servicemen with a 15-month mandate. The mission's goal is to train the Malian army staff to battle in order to restore governmental control throughout the country and to assist Bamako in reforming the national security and defense systems.
Russia will continue to be an active partner of Mali in practical issues of assisting the country in overcoming the long-lasting political and humanitarian crisis, the statement said.
