Mariano Rajoy asserts that today terrorism is the enemy of everyone, whatever they may think and whoever they may be

Bamako (Mali)

His first destination was Mali, where Mariano Rajoy met with its president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He then met with the Spanish contingent taking part in the European EUTM mission to this country.

During his speech, Mariano Rajoy underlined the importance of the mission to the African country. "What they are doing is helping a country to have a strong army to guarantee its liberty and security in order to fight terrorism and assure the rights of the people, which is one of the noblest endeavours that exists, and I wish to thank them and congratulate them on that work".

Pool MoncloaHe claimed that, "the worst enemies of all humanity are those that seek to play with people's lives, rights and freedoms", because terrorism today is the enemy of one and all, "whatever they may think and whoever they may be". The President of the Government concluded by stating that "when we are outside Spain, we are also defending the liberties, rights and security of all the people of Spain".

The European EUTM mission in Mali is the only one headed up by a Spanish general, and is considered by the Spanish Government to be key in halting the advance of Jihadi terrorism in this region of Africa. 110 Spanish military personnel form part of a total of 600 troops from 27 different countries.

On Monday, 4 May, the President of the Spanish Government will meet with the President of Senegal, Macky Sall, and will visit the detachment of the Spanish Air Force providing support for the EUTM.

The Minister for Defence, Pedro Morenés, is accompanying the President of the Government on this trip.