Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, received the outgoing European Union Ambassador, His Excellency Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, in a farewell audience on Monday, July 14, 2025.
The meeting marked the end of Gaztelumendi’s diplomatic mission and underscored the European Union’s ongoing commitment to development cooperation with Burkina Faso.
During the audience at the presidential palace, discussions centred on the state of EU-Burkina Faso cooperation and the results achieved under the ambassador’s tenure.
Highlighting the EU’s continued support across multiple sectors, Ambassador Gaztelumendi stated, “Very recently, we signed four new financing agreements worth €80 million to continue all this work.”
According to the ambassador, the new agreements will target projects in secondary towns—particularly in the Djôrô region—with a focus on improving road networks, modernising markets, and boosting agricultural value chains.
The funding complements existing initiatives in education, healthcare, job creation, and infrastructure that the EU has supported over the past years.
Reflecting on his time in Burkina Faso, Ambassador Gaztelumendi praised the determination and spirit of the Burkinabè people.
“The Burkinabè people are obviously facing a difficult situation, but they have absolutely incredible energy, resilience, and know-how,” he said. “I was dazzled by the Burkinabè people, and I wish them the best.”
Captain Traoré’s government, which has prioritized sovereignty and national reconstruction since coming to power, has increasingly turned to bilateral partnerships focused on practical development outcomes.
The ambassador’s departure comes as Burkina Faso continues to face security and economic challenges, particularly in its fight against armed insurgent groups in the Sahel region.
The farewell visit marks the continuation of a partnership described by both sides as resilient and forward-looking, with the EU’s fresh €80 million commitment seen as a tangible signal of enduring support.
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