​"I want to thank you for the enthusiasm and motivation I can see on your faces and for your attitude", says María Dolores de Cospedal

The minister held a meeting with the members of the contingent and, on behalf of the French general, she thanked them for their collaboration and hard work and for their great professional skill and dedication.

María Dolores de Cospedal highlighted that they are "the image of Spain at a professional level, in their military spirit and in their humanity", which is reflected in their empathy with the Senegalese people.

On this occasion, the minister also recalled their families, thanking them for their generosity and patience in having their loved ones far from home and wished them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Ministerio de DefensaDuring her visit to the 'Marfil' detachment, the Minister for Defence was informed of the current situation and of the activities of the mission by the detachment commander, Lieutenant Colonel César Lardiés Gracia.

There has been a noteworthy increase in bilateral relations at a defence level over recent years and collaboration has been stepped up on the issue of maritime security and in the control of illegal immigration.

Senegal falls under the cooperation programme in the area of military training and Senegalese students are currently on Spanish military courses, such as studying to be observers on peace missions, training for promotion to the post of commander and studying Spanish as a foreign language.

Support operation for Mali

In parallel with Operation EUTM Mali, another mission is being carried out in that country at a bilateral level to support Operation Serval being undertaken by France since back in January 2013. This operation was launched following an express petition lodged by the Malian authorities and in support of two resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council.

Following authorisation from the Lower House of Parliament, Spain decided to support the French effort through the deployment of a transport plane of the Air Force, which constitutes the 'Marfil' detachment based in Dakar (Senegal), commissioned to contribute to the strategic transportation of the regional capabilities of the countries taking part in the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) and France.

AFISMA is a military force under African leadership which seeks to support Mali in its fight against the Jihadist insurgency.

Since November 2015, this bilateral support for France has formed part of the aid provided within the context of Article 42.7 of the Treaty of the European Union, invoked after the terrorist attacks on 13 November 2015 in Paris.

In July 2014, Operation Serval was absorbed with other French activities in West Africa, into Operation Barkhane, and extended to Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad.

At present, the 16th contingent of the 'Marfil' detachment is currently deployed, made up of 55 servicemen and a Hercules aircraft. We contribute to transportation requirements for Operation Barkhane, and for the United Nations mission MINUSMA.

To date, 4,400 flight hours have been performed, carrying more than 15,700 passengers and 2,800 tonnes of cargo.

During 2015, 251 servicemen took part in the different detachments that have made up the operation, with a further 232 so far in 2016.