Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement on the release today (22 April) of a German hostage in Mali:

“I am extremely glad and relieved that the German woman kidnapped in Mali has been freed.

She is currently being looked after by the Malian authorities. She is exhausted by the hardships of her time in captivity and is receiving medical attention.

At this juncture I would like to thank the crisis unit in Berlin and all its staff, as well as our Embassy in Bamako and all those involved for their untiring and ultimately successful efforts. My special thanks go to the Malian Government, and above all President Amadou Toumani Touré, for working with us so closely and in such confidence.

I would like to call attention to the fact that German nationals still remain in the hands of kidnappers in other regions around the world. We will continue to do our utmost to secure their release and safe return.”