Abidjan, 10 December 2015 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Mali and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, was received today by Ivory Coast President, His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara.

The meeting was an opportunity for both to discuss current issues facing Africa, particularly West Africa, and the efforts made by the international community to support peacebuilding, stability and development in this part of Africa.

The SRSG arrived in Ivory Coast to attend the meeting of the heads of United Nations missions in the region; he stressed the importance of strengthening joint efforts to meet the security challenges hindering the peace process.

In his statement to the press after the meeting, Mr. Hamdi was optimistic about the peace process’ implementation in Mali, thanks to the determination of the Malian authorities and stakeholders involved in the crisis facing the country.

The SRSG added that "MINUSMA is working with the Malian authorities to push forward the implementation of the Peace Agreement despite various attempts by opponents seeking to derail this process."