Meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ivan Kondov with Mr. Jean-Marie Boquel, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for Africa
29 November 2024 News
On 27 November 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ivan Kondov, received Mr. Jean-Marie Boquel, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for Africa. Mr Boquel informed about the process of reconfiguring France's relations with the West African countries, which is not yet complete and goes beyond pure military cooperation. As a result of the review of partnerships, a report is to be circulated with recommendations for adapting France's defence cooperation with African countries in the spirit of President Emmanuel Macron's February 2023 speech on rethinking relations with Africa.
For his part, Minister Ivan Kondov welcomed Ambassador Boquel’s visit to Bulgaria and congratulated him on the progress in the mission entrusted to him by President Macron. He said that developments in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea region were essential and reaffirmed the need for the EU and its member states to coordinate their efforts to tackle the challenges posed by terrorism, illegal migration and organised crime.
The two interlocutors agreed on the need for targeted efforts to counter these threats and the growing negative influence of third countries in the region that do not share the EU's values.
There was a common understanding that Africa is our natural partner and its future remains of strategic importance for the EU.
Mr Jean-Marie Bocquel has been appointed as President Emmanuel Macron’s Special Envoy for Africa from 2 February 2024. Jean-Marie Bockel's current European tour includes Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands.