Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé in Lomé on Friday, reaffirming their nations’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting stability across West Africa.
During the working visit, held at the invitation of President Gnassingbé, the two leaders underscored their determination to deepen economic, cultural, and political cooperation.
They announced plans to relaunch the Dakar-Lomé Joint Commission, a platform aimed at boosting trade and exploring new areas of mutually beneficial collaboration.
According to the Senegalese presidency, both heads of state praised the climate of peace and stability in their respective countries, describing it as vital for sustainable development.
Their discussions also focused heavily on regional security, particularly the ongoing threat of terrorism in the Sahel.
Expressing “deep concern” over the persistence of extremist violence, the two leaders called for “stronger solidarity and regional cohesion” to combat insecurity.
President Faye commended Gnassingbé’s mediation efforts in the Great Lakes region, carried out as part of his role as African Union Mediator, highlighting Togo’s growing role in continental diplomacy.
Beyond security, the leaders voiced their commitment to advancing African economic integration.
They lauded progress on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), urging other nations yet to commit to join these transformative initiatives.
Their talks also touched on global crises, with both presidents advocating for diplomatic solutions to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, citing the disruptive effects of these conflicts on African economies. Additionally, they called for greater international cooperation to address the escalating impacts of climate change, which continue to weigh on their nations’ economic prospects.
At the close of the visit, President Faye expressed his “sincere thanks” to President Gnassingbé for the warm welcome in Lomé.
In a gesture of continued partnership, he extended an invitation to Gnassingbé to make an official visit to Senegal — an invitation the Togolese leader accepted.
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