1- Prof. Robert DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad, paid a working visit to Berlin from March 15 to 18, 2021.
2- During his stay, he met H.E. Heiko Maas, German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two personalities exchanged views on subjects relating to bilateral cooperation, the situation in West Africa and the Sahel. Their discussions also focused on multilateralism.
3- Bilaterally, the two Ministers praised the quality of the historic relations of friendship and cooperation that exist between their countries. They welcomed the economic performance recorded by Togo thanks to the bold reforms carried out by the Togolese Government as well as the significant and laudable support from Germany.
4- With regard to the situation in the West African sub-region and in the Sahel, the two Ministers welcomed the initiatives underway with a view to neutralizing terrorist actions and safeguarding peace. They reaffirmed the common will of the two countries to work together to bring peace and stability to West Africa and the Sahel.
5- With this in mind, they welcomed the meeting, on March 8, 2021, of the Support and Support Group for the transition in Mali and encouraged the Group to continue its mission for a peaceful and well-completed transition in the country. interest of the Malian people.
6- Appreciating the efforts of Togo, Minister Heiko Maas paid tribute to the President of the Togolese Republic, HE Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, for his commitment and tireless efforts in the management of crises and conflicts as well as in the constant search for peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel.
7- On the question of multilateralism, Togo and Germany greatly appreciated this mode of organization and management of inter-state relations that the two countries share and intend to contribute to its revitalization in order to allow the achievement of the Millennium Goals. For the development.
8- In addition, Prof. Robert DUSSEY also had a working session with Dr. Gerd MÜLLER, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. During this meeting, the two Ministers praised the positive and remarkable development of cooperation relations between their countries. They explored the ways and means necessary to intensify their cooperative relations. On this occasion, they signed the joint declaration of intent on the opening of partnership negotiations to encourage reforms within the framework of the G20 “Compact with Africa” initiative.
9- By this declaration, the two Parties reaffirmed their common objectives aimed at improving the framework conditions for private investments in order to ensure massive job creation as well as inclusive and sustainable growth.
10- The two ministers also had specific exchanges on the Togolese diaspora. They agreed on the principle of a strategic partnership project that will train Togolese from the diaspora living in Germany in promising professions for development, and support them in carrying out projects in Togo.
11- Ministers Robert DUSSEY and Gerd MÜLLER also addressed the issue of African diasporas and Afro-descendants by recalling that during the 34th African Union Summit on February 6 and 7, 2021, the Conference of Heads of State and Government, on a proposal from Togo, decreed “2021 – 2031: Decade of African Roots and Diasporas”. In this capacity, Minister Robert DUSSEY presented to his German counterpart, Dr. Gerd MÜLLER, the Lomé initiative as an unprecedented framework for exchanges and international cooperation, particularly in economic, social, financial and cultural matters involving Afro-descendants and African diasporas. They agreed to prepare a partnership and support project for Germany to accompany the Decade of African Roots and Diasporas.
12- In addition, Prof. DUSSEY had discussions at the Federal Chancellery and successively met members of the German Foundation for Africa, the parliamentary group “Friends of Togo”, the German-Togolese Association as well as German entrepreneurs, members of the Federation of Small and medium enterprises.
13- At the end of his stay, Prof. Robert DUSSEY expressed his warm thanks and his deep gratitude to the German authorities for the warm welcome extended to him as well as for the facilities granted to him during his stay.
14- He took this opportunity to invite Ministers Heiko Maas and Gerd Müller to make working visits to Togo. These invitations have been accepted, their completion dates will be determined.