As his diplomatic assignment in Togo drew to a close, European Union Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones was received by the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, this Thursday. The occasion allowed the diplomat to deliver a glowing assessment of a partnership he characterized as having significantly increased in both scope and influence.
Following his farewell audience, the European ambassador emphasized the expanded cooperation between Brussels and Lomé during his tenure. This partnership now encompasses critical sectors such as sustainable development, infrastructure, energy, governance, education, and security. He explained that his purpose for the meeting was to engage with the Togolese head of state, listen to his perspectives, and provide an overview of the collaborative efforts undertaken.
Ambassador Gwilym Ceri Jones of the European Union to Togo affirmed that the overall outcome has been a substantial reinforcement of this partnership, both in its breadth and its impact.
Thriving investment programs
The diplomat underscored the invigorated European investment programs in Togo, highlighting a portfolio brimming with opportunities for both Togolese and European private sectors. He stated that this momentum is designed to bolster growth and employment in what are considered strategic sectors, notably energy, agriculture, and digital technology.
Security and development: an inseparable link
The ambassador also delved into the deepened cooperation in peace and security, which he considers integral to any development initiative. He reiterated that the European Union has augmented its support for the Togolese armed forces, assisting both in counter-terrorism efforts and in enhancing maritime security.
Gwilym Ceri Jones further praised the excellent relations forged between Togo and the European Union, expressing his conviction that this partnership will continue to strengthen and expand beyond his own mandate.
The DCP 2021-2027: framework for cooperation
European interventions in Togo are structured within the Multi-annual Joint Programming Document (DCP) 2021-2027, which allocates a portfolio of 201 million euros. This framework directs funding towards three primary areas: human development and socio-economic inclusion, sustainable agro-industries and natural resource management, and the consolidation of a peaceful and resilient Togolese society founded on inclusive governance.
A new tripartite mechanism for business
This cooperative dynamic received an additional boost last June with the official launch of a tripartite cooperation mechanism involving the Togolese government, Team Europe, and Eurocham Togo. This permanent consultation framework aims to cultivate a more attractive business climate, stimulate European investments, and support the economic reforms initiated by the Togolese government.
It is also designed to channel cooperation towards more tangible outcomes: job creation, private sector development, and the structural transformation of the Togolese economy. All these initiatives, according to both parties, exemplify the strength of a partnership destined to continue flourishing beyond Ambassador Jones’s departure.
