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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called for an early return to peace and security in Mali, saying that the promotion of peace and stability in the West African country is crucial to its people, the region and the world.
Speaking at a ministerial meeting here on the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, Ban also called on the relevant parties involved in the reconstruction of Mali to implement the foundations that have been laid out regarding the way forward.
"Mali needs our continued support," he said. "The Peace Agreement remains the framework that will give all Malians a chance for a better and safer life."
The ministerial meeting, which was co-chaired by the governments of Mali and Algeria, was held on the sidelines of the current annual high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, which opened here Tuesday and runs through Monday.
Meanwhile, the UN chief highlighted that both the "historic" Peace Agreement as well as the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) -- currently in its third year -- have helped drive progress.
"Mali needs the unwavering and coherent support of its international partners," Ban said, recalling that the Security Council has strengthened MINUSMA to ensure it can support the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the restoration of State institutions, and protect civilians.
The Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was signed in June 2015 by the Coordination des Mouvements de l'Azawad armed group, following its signature in May 2015 by the government and a third party, the Plateforme coalition of armed groups.
The Malian government has been seeking to restore stability and rebuild following a series of setbacks since early 2012, including a military coup d'etat, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical extremists.
The country has also been wrecked by a series of humanitarian crises.
