EU underlines support for development and stabilisation of Mali

President of Mali, held talks here Monday with EU officials on bilateral relations and the situation in Mali. The President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, told reporters after meeting Keita that he reiterated EU commitment to continue its support of the political transition, the process of stabilization and the search for a lasting peace in Mali and the region. "More specifically, we addressed the crucial question of national reconciliation and dialogue. I thank President Boubakar Keita for the information he shared with me and encouraged him to pursue these vital efforts, " he said. EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs announced after meeting the President of Mali that thet launched today a 12 million euro (USD 16.4 million) project in support of the judicial sector and the construction of a road between Bamako and Timbaktu in January 2014. He said EU support to Mali will continue on the 2014-2020 period thanks to 615 million euro (USD 844 million) fund dedicated to the reform of the country, food security, education and construction of roads. The next international conferece on Mali will take place in February 2014 in Brussels, Piebalgs said. On his part, Keita said "this support to the justice area is really important because you know that in my government, the first ministry is the judicial Ministry... Justice is a important need for our people. For us, it is a priority." Keita also met EU Commissioner for international cooperation and humanitarian aid, Kristalina Georgieva, and on Tuesday he will address the European Parliament in Strasbourg.