The opening of the Czech Embassy in Bamako is an important step towards building our own expertise in the francophone region of Sahel on the basis of which the Czech Republic will be more effectively contributing to the solutions of the regional issues. The establishment of the Embassy is envisaged by the National Strategy of the Czech Republic for the Support of Stabilization and Development of the Sahel Countries for the period of 2018 - 2021.

The Sahel region is an origin and transit area of migration to Europe. At the same time the region is facing problems of terrorist group activities, arms and drugs smuggling as well as human trafficking. Due to the conflict in Mali, instability of the region is one of the main causes of problems. Permeability of borders, lack of effective control over the territory and inadequate socioeconomic conditions enhanced by desertification and by the population growth are among other causes.

The geographical proximity of the Sahel region has a significant impact on security and migration situation in Europe. It is therefore in the interest of the Czech Republic to contribute to stabilization of the situation and to actively join the efforts of the EU and its Member States in the region.

The newly established Czech Embassy in Bamako will play a key role in strengthening our security cooperation and in increasing our presence in military and civilian missions in the region. Its existence is a key precondition of progressive growth of the respective Czech humanitarian and stabilization activities. Last but not least, the Embassy will also contribute to the development of mutual economic cooperation. Despite the difficult security situation, Mali remains an important business partner for the Czech Republic, the fourth among the countries of the Sub-Saharan Africa.