As his diplomatic mission in Togo concludes, European Union Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones was received this Thursday by the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The occasion provided the diplomat with an opportunity to present a glowing assessment of a partnership he described as having significantly expanded in both scope and impact.
Following his farewell audience, the European ambassador lauded the considerable broadening of cooperation between Brussels and Lomé during his tenure. This robust partnership now spans crucial sectors including sustainable development, essential infrastructure, energy, governance, education, and security. He explained that his visit aimed to engage with the Togolese head of state, listen to his perspectives, and provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing collaboration.
LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ
Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones highlighted that the outcome of his mission underscores a substantial reinforcement of this vital partnership, both in its depth and reach.
booming investment programs fuel Togo’s growth
The diplomat underscored the invigorated European investment programs in Togo, describing a portfolio brimming with opportunities for both Togolese and European private sectors. This dynamic, he stated, is designed to bolster growth and employment within strategically identified areas, notably energy, agriculture, and the digital economy.
security and development: an essential synergy
The ambassador also focused on the deepening cooperation in peace and security, which he views as intrinsically linked to any development initiative. He reiterated that the European Union has intensified its support for the Togolese armed forces, assisting both in counter-terrorism efforts and in strengthening maritime security across the region.
Gwilym Ceri Jones took the opportunity to commend the excellent quality of relations forged between Togo and the European Union, expressing confidence in the continued advancement and deepening of this crucial partnership well beyond his own mandate.
the dcp 2021-2027: a strategic framework for cooperation
European interventions in Togo are meticulously guided by the Multi-annual Joint Programming Document (DCP) for 2021-2027, which allocates a substantial portfolio of 201 million euros. This strategic framework directs funding towards three core priorities: fostering human development and socio-economic inclusion, promoting sustainable agro-industries and responsible natural resource management, and solidifying a peaceful and resilient Togolese society anchored in inclusive governance.
a new tripartite mechanism to boost business
This dynamic of cooperation received a further boost last June with the official launch of a tripartite cooperation mechanism. This initiative brings together the Togolese government, Team Europe, and Eurocham Togo. This permanent consultation framework aims to create a more attractive business climate, stimulate European investments, and support the economic reforms being implemented by the Togolese government.
The mechanism is also designed to channel cooperation towards more tangible outcomes: increased job creation, robust private sector development, and the structural transformation of the Togolese economy. These collective initiatives, according to both parties, powerfully demonstrate the enduring strength of a partnership poised to continue thriving long after Ambassador Jones’s departure.
