LONDON – British Foreign Secretary William Hague is in Mali for talks with members of the Malian government to discuss the political process in the West African nation.

Hague is meeting with Mali’s president and prime minister, along with the country’s minister for foreign affairs. He also will meet Monday with the commander of the African-led intervention force and the deputy commander of the European Union training mission to the Malian armed forces.

Speaking upon his arrival Monday, Hague said Mali is “at the heart of” complex political and security challenges that “have the potential to affect the wider region,” a foreign office statement quoted him as saying.

He said he is looking forward to discussing the Malian government’s plans to implement path towards elections and the restoration of full democratic rule.