The French Foreign Minister has travelled to Côte d’Ivoire for discussions on safety and trade with President Alassane Ouattara and his government.
Catherine Colonna stated in the economic capital of Abidjan on Friday that France would remain on the flank of the former French colony “in all zones”.
Colonna also met with her Ivory Coast counterpart, Candia Kamara, who said she was concerned about “terrorists” coming in from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.
About 900 French soldiers are stationed in Côte d’Ivoire, and France is one of her largest investors, “France believes in Ivory Coast’s potential,” Colonna said.
“It is ready, going and has shown to accompany its progress, especially through the well-known Debt Reduction and Development Treaty, which has worked and continues very well. with good results .”
Both countries are struggling to defeat the Islamic uprising. “Uncertainty is everywhere,” Kamara said, but “when it comes to security, we have always benefited from France’s support.”
On Saturday, France’s foreign minister was scheduled to meet with the president’s brother, Defense Minister Birahima Ouattara, to discuss security issues.
Colonna also stressed that one of the challenges he faces in ivory coast is to encourage growth and prevent young people from falling into the hands of jihadists.