As his diplomatic mission in Togo concluded, European Union Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones was received this Thursday by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The occasion provided the diplomat with an opportunity to offer a glowing appraisal of the collaboration, which he described as having significantly expanded in both scope and influence.
Following his farewell audience, the EU Ambassador commended the substantial broadening of the partnership between Brussels and Lomé during his tenure. This enhanced cooperation now spans critical areas such as sustainable development, infrastructure, energy, governance, education, and security. He explained that his visit was intended to engage with the Togolese head of state, listen to his perspectives, and provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing cooperation initiatives.
Gwilym Ceri Jones, the outgoing European Union Ambassador to Togo, reiterated that the outcome of his mission underscores a considerable reinforcement of this vital partnership, both in its depth and reach.
thriving investment programs
The diplomat underscored the invigorated European investment programs in Togo, describing a portfolio that presents numerous prospects for both Togolese and European private sectors. This momentum, he asserted, is crucial for fostering growth and employment in strategically important sectors such as energy, agriculture, and digital technology.
security and development: an essential link
The Ambassador also focused on the deepening cooperation in peace and security, which he considers integral to any successful development project. He recalled 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 established between Togo and the European Union, expressing his firm belief in the continued progression and enhancement of this partnership well beyond the conclusion of his own mandate.
the dcp 2021-2027: a framework for robust cooperation
European initiatives in Togo are guided by the Joint Multi-annual Programming Document (DCP) for 2021-2027, which allocates a substantial portfolio of 201 million euros. This comprehensive framework directs funding towards three primary pillars: fostering human development and socio-economic inclusion; promoting sustainable agro-industries and responsible natural resource management; and strengthening a peaceful, resilient Togolese society built upon inclusive governance principles.
a new tripartite mechanism for business growth
This dynamic cooperation received an additional 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 enhance the attractiveness of the business climate, stimulate European investments, and support the economic reforms being implemented by the Togolese government.
Furthermore, this mechanism is designed to channel cooperation towards more tangible outcomes: creating new employment opportunities, fostering the growth of the private sector, and achieving the structural transformation of the Togolese economy. These collective initiatives, according to both parties, are clear indicators of a strong partnership destined to endure beyond Ambassador Jones’s departure.
