(Image source: Wikimedia Commons )    BY LORA VLAEVA   ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS        Vice President Joe Biden and France’s President Francois Hollande have agreed a U.N. force in Mali will be necessary to ensure stability in the African nation.      Both officials met in Paris Monday, one month after France first sent 4,500 troops into Mali in order to stop hard-line Islamists from expanding their 10-month hold on Mali’s northern cities. (video via Al Jazeera )     During the press conference following their discussion, Biden backed a plan that would establish a UN peacekeeping force in the country. (video via KZTV )     As The Wall Street Journa l reports, “ The United Nations is considering transforming [African peacekeeping organization] Afisma into a U.N.-led peacekeeping force once Mali has fully recovered control over northern territories ”.     During the press conference, Biden also hailed Hollande’s military intervention in Mali:     ‘Let me say again on behalf of the president and the people of the US, we applaud your decisiveness and I might add the incredible competence and capability of your french military force.’  (Video via KURL )     Biden also said the UN intervention is in the interest of the US, as Mali could quickly become a haven for terrorists. France 24 has this explanation:     ‘By bringing in the UN role as sort of the overside of this multinational mission, it would allow the US to play a larger role. Perhaps also money, funding it.’     And indeed, money is a key element the US can provide in the fight against Islamic extremism. On Jan. 26, the White House asked Congress for $32 million to train African troops to fight in Mali.      Although the US has not provided any direct help to Mali's Government, it has helped French-led missions by transporting troops and equipment. (Video via BBC )     Biden’s trip to France was part of a wider European tour, ahead of his visit to Great Britain.