Resumption of political dialogue between Burundi and the European Union
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol IV, Issue #155 | Monday, February 2, 2021
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Dear Readers,
This Tuesday the Government of Burundi represented by Amb.Albert Shingiro, Minister of foreign affairs and the European Union represented by Amb. Claude Bochu and the Ambassadors of EU member states such as Germany, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands have resumed their exchanges as provided for by article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement binding Africa, Caraibes, Pacific countries, and the European Union.
“I am delighted with the spirit of openness and mutual trust which characterized the resumption of political dialogue between Burundi and the European Union. The dialogue took place in a constructive climate; the ultimate goal being to lead to concrete results as soon as possible” Tweeted Amb. Albert Nshingiro
The two parties recalled that Burundi and European Union Member States are historical partners that wish to see their ties of friendship and cooperation develop further in a spirit of trust and mutual respect for the benefit of their respective peoples.
They exchanged views on subjects of common interest and mutual commitments as part of the normalization of their relations and cooperation. They noted that the resumption of political dialogue is a shared priority that will benefit the Burundian and European peoples.
In the end, the delegations congratulated themselves on the excellent constructive climate which presided over their discussions and agreed to continue them with a view to leading as soon as possible to concrete results.
The Cotonou Agreement
The Cotonou Agreement is the overarching framework for EU relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. It was adopted in 2000 to replace the 1975 Lomé Convention. It is the most comprehensive partnership agreement between developing countries and the EU, covering the EU's relations with 79 countries, including 48 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa. The Cotonou Agreement aims to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty and contribute to the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy. It is based on three pillars: development cooperation, economic and trade cooperation, political dimension.
The application of the Cotonou Agreement was due to expire in December 2020, but, as negotiations on the future agreement are still underway, this was delayed to the end of the year. The EU will work towards a substantially revised agreement with a common foundation at the ACP level combined with three regional tailored partnerships for Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The future agreement is expected to cover priority areas such as democracy and human rights, economic growth and investment, climate change, poverty eradication, peace and security, migration, and mobility.
Thanks for reading!
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief
RegionWeek.com
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