Minister Fajon: EU's partnership with Togo is vital for regional security and stability

SLOVENIA, April 9 - "Security and stability are the cornerstones of economic progress and development.

The EU sees Togo as an important partner that plays an essential role in ensuring security in the Sahel. It will continue to help tackle the security challenges in the north of the country, where terrorism and extremism are strongly present. The EU also aims to increase its role by strengthening the partnership for economic progress to help Togo on the path towards further sustainable development. It is vital that people here have the best possible conditions for living, education, work and development. The EU will continue to support projects that make this possible," said Minister Fajon after her meeting with the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé.

During the talks with Prime Minister Victoire Dogbé, Minister for Public Service Reform, Labour and Social Dialogue Gilbert Bawara, Minister for Industry and Investment Promotion Manuella Santos, Minister for Energy Koffi Eklo and other government representatives, the officials praised the partnership with the EU, highlighting energy, digital transformation and agriculture as potential areas for further cooperation.

They also discussed bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and Togo, which is modest.

However, they identified areas where further cooperation could be developed, such as renewables, water management, tourism, digital transformation and agriculture.

"You can also count on Slovenia's support within the UN Security Council, where we represent the voice of small and African countries alike," said Minister Fajon, introducing the Africa Day international conference, which will take place at the end of May 2025 and focus on natural resources.

Minister Fajon visited some of the EU-supported development projects: the new RN2 road connection, which improves road safety and mobility from Lomé to the Benin border; the school in Aneh, which the new road has made more accessible for many; the market in Baguida, which supports the local community and women; and the new lake, which improves sanitation and health conditions. In this way, Minister Fajon learned about the concrete positive effects of the Global Gateway assistance on the daily lives of the Togolese people.

Minister Fajon also met with the President of the National Human Rights Commission, Ohini Kwao, to discuss EU-Togo cooperation and the President's priorities following his recent assumption of office.