French Foreign Minister Begins 48-Hour Official Visit to Togo

France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, arrived in Togo on Thursday evening for a two-day working visit, according to Savoir News Agency.
Upon arrival at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, he was received by Ambassador Bankotine Batengue, Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside the French Ambassador to Togo, Augustin Favereau.

Following the reception, the French minister proceeded to the Presidency of the Council, where he held talks with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Barrot noted that it had been more than two decades since a French foreign minister last visited Togo, describing the absence as inconsistent with the long-standing and multifaceted ties between the two countries. He emphasized that the visit also aims to lay groundwork for the upcoming “Africa Forward” summit scheduled for May 11–12, 2026, in Nairobi, where Togo is expected to play a significant role.

Discussions between the two sides covered several regional and international issues, including Togo’s mediation efforts in the Great Lakes region, the security situation in the Sahel, and ongoing developments in the Middle East.

On Friday, Barrot is set to meet with his Togolese counterpart, Robert Dussey.

His itinerary also includes the inauguration of a cooperation project and the first phase of renovations at the Lomé University Hospital Campus. Additionally, he will visit the Francophone Digital Campus at the University of Lomé.

The visit will conclude with a trip to Aného, located about 45 kilometers east of Lomé, where he will tour the future site of the International Museum of Vodun Arts and Civilizations (MHIVAA).