Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the objectives of the Government's diplomatic and political policy on Mali are for 2017.

Mr Tobias Ellwood, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Minister for the Middle East and Africa): The UK's primary objective in Mali remains to support the country in providing long-term stability. To achieve this we are working closely with international partners to support the implementation of the Peace Accord as well as building the capacity of the Malian civilian and military security forces, combating violent extremism and tackling irregular migration. We are also providing humanitarian and development assistance that helps Mali, and the wider Sahel region, become more resilient to climatic and economic shocks, with greater economic opportunities and better social protection.

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