US, Spain to foster democracy, sustainable development, stability in Sahel
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The Governments of Spain and the United States have said they are united in their commitment to fostering democracy, sustainable development, and stability in the Sahel region.
A joint statement issued on Thursday in Washington, DC, following the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Spain Working Group on the Sahel said they also agreed to enhance collaboration in support of democratic institutions, in addressing humanitarian and development needs, particularly in conflict-affected areas, and in increasing local capacity to combat terrorism.
The inagural meeting was held on 16 October in Washington, D.C. and was chaired by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and Spain’s Ambassador at Large for the Sahel Antonio Sánchez-Benedito Gaspar.
Representatives of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the US Department of State, and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Embassy of Spain, also participated.
The statement said the creation of this working group symbolises the shared dedication and willingness of Spain and the United States to collaborate on a host of global matters.
"This working group will continue to meet regularly to further the strong partnership between Spain and the United States on our policy in the Sahel and evaluate their effectiveness in alignment with the aspirations of the people of the Sahel."
The statement said the working group is a result of US President Joe Biden’s meeting with the President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sánchez, in Washington, D.C., on 12 May, 2023.
-0- PANA MA 19Oct2023
