To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the report of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Trafficking in Mali; and what assessment he has made of the effect of the drugs trade and illicit economic activity on good governance, democracy and sustainable development in Mali.

We have noted the Global Initiative report and agree with much of its analysis. The UK recognises the impact that illicit trafficking and organised crime have on governance and security in Mali and the Sahel. We believe it is essential to focus efforts on improving governance, strengthening regional cooperation and building criminal justice capacity. On 18 December 2013, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sir Mark Lyall-Grant, restated this position at a UN Security Council session on drug trafficking in the Sahel and West Africa.