EU and Switzerland sign Agreement on participation in EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali)

The EU and Switzerland have signed today an agreement on the participation of the Swiss Confederation in the European Union military mission contributing to the training of the
Malian Armed Forces in Mali (EUTM Mali).

The Agreement was signed in Brussels by the European External Action Service Deputy Secretary General, Maciej Popowski, and by the Head of the Swiss Mission to the European Union, Ambassador Roberto Balzaretti.

Following the Swiss Confederation's offer to contribute to EUTM Mali with civilian capacities, this agreement provides a legal basis for the swift deployment of a Swiss civilian media analysis expert who will support the mission's visibility and outreach activities in Mali.

Background

The partnership between the EU and the Swiss Confederation in the area of Common Security and Defence Policy is a longstanding one, going back to the first EU-led crisis management missions and operations in the Balkans more than 10 years ago. Currently Switzerland contributes to the CSDP military Operation EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the civilian rule of law mission EULEX Kosovo

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 584 9780- Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu @EUHighRepSpox
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu @AshtonSpox_Maja
Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
Maria Lyra Traversa +32 2 2956368 Maria-Lyra.TRAVERSA@ec.europa.eu
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