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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release November 19, 1997

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Meeting Between President Clinton and Malian President Konare

President Clinton met today with President Alpha Oumar Konare of the Republic of Mali. During the 30-minute meeting, the two leaders cemented the strong bond of partnership that has formed between the United States and Mali. The two leaders discussed a broad range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including the promotion of democracy, regional conflict resolution, and trade and investment.

President Clinton congratulated the Malian President on his recent re-election and reaffirmed U.S. support for Mali's efforts to strengthen its democracy. The President announced a grant to support civic education projects to help Malians prepare for municipal elections in 1998, and a $3 million USAID project for the political and economic rehabilitation of Mali's north.

President Clinton commended Mali on its participation in conflict resolution efforts in Africa, especially its contributions to peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and the Central African Republic. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing African conflict resolution and peacekeeping capacity through the African Crisis Response Initiative. U.S. training with Malian troops involved in this effort will commence in January 1998.

President Clinton reiterated U.S. support for Mali's integration into the global economy and American interest in creating new trade opportunities. He noted U.S.-Malian cooperation in organizing a Trade Conference in 1998 in Bamako.

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