Lomé, December 08, 2020 – The 21st session of the Togo – European Union political dialogue was held on Tuesday December 8, 2020 in Lomé under the joint presidency of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese abroad and the Ambassador of the European Union to the Togolese Republic. The meeting, based on Article 8 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, provided an opportunity to discuss political, economic and social issues of common interest between Togo and the European Union.

Besides H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad, the Togolese delegation was made up of HE Mr. Payadowa BOUKPESSI, Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Development of territories; Mr. Pius AGBETOMEY, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice and Legislation; General Yark DAMEHANE, Minister of Security and Civil Protection; Prof. Moustafa MIJIYAWA, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Health Care.

The European delegation was made up of H.E.M. Joaquín TASSO VILALLONGA, Ambassador of the European Union, H.E.Matthias VELTIN, Ambassador of Germany and H.E. Mrs. Jocelyne CABALLERO, Ambassador of France.

Discussions initially focused on the COVID-19 crisis. Togo praised the solidarity shown by the European Union and its member states, both at the national level (with rapid and substantial aid to mitigate the health and socio-economic impact of the pandemic) and at the international level (by supporting the debt relief for countries hit by the crisis as well as the COVAX initiative for the provision of vaccines in low-income countries). The two sides also discussed the risks that the COVID-19 crisis can engender in terms of democratic expression and the human rights situation in the world.

“The year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 crisis and its tragic human and socio-economic toll. Faced with this unprecedented situation, Togo and the EU have mobilized all the necessary means to provide adequate responses to the needs of the most affected populations. I am confident that having shown our ability to react together to this crisis, we will be able to face all the future challenges of our partnership with optimism, ”said the European Union ambassador.

The participants commended the excellent quality of bilateral relations. They reiterated the important partnership between the European Union and Togo in favor of decentralization. They examined the opportunities for strengthening economic ties through improving the business climate and public finance management. They spoke of the strengthening of EU-Togo security cooperation, particularly in the context of projects financed by the European Union.

The European Union and its Member States have welcomed the progress made by Togo in the areas of economic governance and development, as well as in the areas of peace and security, while encouraging more ambitious reforms in the areas of justice. , social inclusion, consolidation of democracy and the fight against corruption.

The two delegations also discussed other issues of common interest such as the security situation in the Sahel, African regional integration, the African Union – European Union partnership and the preparation of the next EU-AU summit scheduled for 2021.

The European Union and Togo reiterated their commitment to multilateralism to better face regional, continental and global challenges. In this context, the two delegations welcomed the recent conclusion of the negotiations of the post-Cotonou partnership agreement between the European Union and the members of the OEACP and congratulated Professor DUSSEY for this success as chief negotiator. for these last ones.