West Africa: Joint Statement On the Meeting of the U.S.-Spain Working Group On the Sahel

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The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Spain on the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Spain Working Group on the Sahel.

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The U.S.-Spain Working Group on the Sahel held its initial meeting on October 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C. It 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 Department of State, and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Embassy of Spain, also participated.

The Governments of Spain and the United States are united in their commitment to fostering democracy, sustainable development, and stability in the Sahel region. They 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 creation of this working group symbolizes 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. This working group is a result of President Joe Biden's meeting with the President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sánchez, in Washington, D.C., on May 12, 2023.

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