In pics: High Level Conference on the Sahel at European Commission

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) speaks with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir (R) during a High Level Conference on the Sahel at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 23, 2018. The conference, co-chaired by the European Union, the United Nations, the African Union and the G5 Sahel, will focus on strengthening international support to Africa's Sahel countries in the areas of security and development, notably through the G5 Sahel Joint Force. (Xinhua/Thierry Monasse)