By RFIPublié on 23-02-2019Modified on 23-02-2019 at 19:12

The French Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, began this Saturday, February 23, his visit to Mali. He came to recall the support of France for the reconstruction of the country. In the morning, Edouard Philippe went to a construction site financed in part by the French government.

With our special correspondent in Bamako, Julien Chavanne

Edouard Philippe wanted to begin his trip on the economic ground. The water treatment plant in Kabala, on the banks of the Niger River, near Bamako, will benefit, before next summer, nearly 2 million people. France and the European Union are contributing 209 million euros.

The reconstruction aid can not be solely military, recalls the Prime Minister.

" It's important to fight to win the war, but it's also important to build peace and build prosperity. And here we are preparing the future of Bamako and Mali, "he said.

For stability and peace, defense and development must go hand in hand. France is proud to support the creation of the Kabala water treatment plant. This project will provide access to clean water for 1 million Malians. #PMMali pic.twitter.com/Od9jNA1PNF

Edouard Philippe (@EPhilippePM) February 23, 2019

And to show the example, in the wake of this visit, agreements for several tens of millions of euros have been signed with French business leaders. Paris wants to attract private investors despite the risks and fragility of the Malian economy.

While waiting for the country to stabilize, France will continue to support Malian projects through the French Development Agency (AFD).

" The AFD will be present and should double its interventions, currently averaging about 80 million euros per year. In the years to come, it is a strong commitment that we take, "said the French Prime Minister.

Edouard Philippe is back on the safe field this Saturday night . He will spend the night with the French forces of Operation Barkhane on the base of Gao.

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