Berlin - Germany is to train security forces in Mali to stop people traffickers from moving illegal migrants northwards from Africa to Europe, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday.

She was speaking after talks with Mali's President Amadou Toumani Toure, in Berlin.

Germany would assist in training and also provide technical aid so that the forces could counter the drug smugglers and people smugglers, Merkel said.

The European Union has stepped up action against illegal migration, including opening an information office in Mali to warn Malians about the fatal risks of trying to cross the Mediterranean illegally.

The EU is to offer them trade training if they stay at home. (dpa)