Denmark eyeing stronger foothold in west Africa

Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen will be in Nigeria and Mali this week

The foreign minister, Kristian Jensen, will be in Nigeria and Mali this week as part of a business delegation to formally open a Danish embassy and general consulate in Nigeria.

Jensen also intends to visit the Danish deployed soldiers who are in Mali as part of the UN peacekeeping effort, MINUSMA.

“With the collapse of Libya, Mali is just one border away from Europe,” said Jensen. “Therefore instability in Mali and Mali’s neighbours impacts on Denmark and Europe’s stability – and can contribute to added migration to Europe.”

“It will also be important for me to speak to the Malian government about how Denmark can help to translate Mali’s peace agreement into specific results that are visible and significant to its population.”

READ MORE: Danish delegation eyeing sustainable future in South Africa

Potential vs threat
Jensen went on to stress the importance of Denmark utilising Nigeria’s great growth potential and helping to move it in the right direction through its embassy and general consulate.

Another aspect regarding Nigeria will be to discuss the great challenges that the nation is facing in terms of piracy, terrorism and corruption.




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