France: Macron and Merkel pledge to support security in West Africa

W/S Burkinabe President Roch Kabore, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron enter, Biarritz
SOT, Emmanuel Macron, French President (French): "The aim of this meeting is that the G7 is not just a group of countries that works with each other. Our aim was to build an international strategic partnership with Africa. We were talking about different issues including security in Libya and Sahel, economic development, the creation of opportunities and the fight against inequality. We're addressing the questions of Libya with the G5 Sahel and its regional role in tackling difficulties such as the fight against terrorism." *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
C/U Kabore *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "We spoke about Libya and it must be looked at in the context of the community of states - the G5 Sahel. We have made substantial efforts to bring about further development but unfortunately there has been a downturn in the state of the security. We know development is not possible without security, therefore we must strengthen security. France excellent provides unrecognised troops, Germany has become more involved in this recent years." *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
C/U Journalist *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "It has become clear today that it is highly urgent in the race against terrorists that we are not in the position where the security situation can be improved and it must be addressed quickly. Germany feels strongly about this and wants to invest its energy. We will consider further initiatives, so we are grateful to have the opportunity to achieve that here." *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
C/U Kabore *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "Today the political procedure has been launched, over the next few weeks we will see who else would like to become involved in this and to discuss with the G5 Sahel countries what they feel is the most urgently requirement. At the end of the year Germany and France will have a conference to then confirm the next steps in the work programme." *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
C/U Macron *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor (German): "It is not about us sending over more troops, it is about us helping to strengthen the police and security forces already in the G5 region, and if they need advice or support then we will be there, but not specific troops." *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S Press conference
M/S End of conference
W/S End of conference
SCRIPT
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that security was paramount to development in West Africa, after holding talks regarding Libya with Burkinabe President Roch Kabore.
"We have made substantial efforts to bring about further development but unfortunately there has been a downturn in the state of the security. We know development is not possible without security," said Merkel.
The German Chancellor said that 'it is not about us sending over more troops' but rather 'helping to strengthen the police and security forces already in the G5 region.'
Macron highlighted the roles of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, known as the G5 Sahel, in tackling regional difficulties, particularly in Libya, and building 'an international strategic partnership with Africa.'
The G7 summit runs until August 26; and will see world leaders discuss topics including addressing global inequality, the US-China trade dispute, the Hong Kong protests and the climate crisis.