The European Union and the Union of Comoros have reaffirmed their desire to promote a mutually beneficial partnership based on common and convergent interests. This commitment was made in accordance with Article 3 of the Samoa Agreement, which aims to foster cooperation between the two parties. The agreement replaces the Cotonou Agreement and was signed in 2023. The partnership is built on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), which involve reciprocal market openings between the EU and the Comoros.
A European Union delegation led by Ambassador Roland Kabia met with the Comorian government on October 5 at the Retaj Hotel in Moroni. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Mbaé Mohamed and various secretaries general of the public administration. This first dialogue, organized under the Samoa Agreement, seeks to establish a dynamic of cooperation that ensures information exchange, mutual understanding, and the identification of common priorities at national, regional, and international levels.
The Samoa Agreement is not only a framework for development cooperation or economic exchanges but also a political framework. Article 1 of the agreement establishes a strengthened political partnership aimed at producing mutually beneficial results based on shared values. Ambassador Kabia emphasized the importance of this partnership, which requires frank dialogue and open discussion of convergences and areas that need more effort.
Foreign Minister Mbaé Mohamed highlighted the significance of this dialogue, which takes place at a particular moment when the Comoros is seeking to develop its vision under a new paradigm. The goal is to create added value, encourage investments, production, and transformation, and reduce dependence on imports. The minister emphasized the need to create local value, promote economic growth, and take the country's place in regional and international value chains, particularly in the blue economy sector.
The discussions between the EU delegation and the Comorian government covered various topics of common interest, including politics, economy, and technical areas. The parties expressed their vision and expectations, and Ambassador Kabia praised the quality of the debate that animated the exchanges. Minister Mbaé Mohamed noted that the talks mainly addressed subjects of common interest, reflecting the vision and expectations of both parties.
The partnership between the EU and the Comoros is built on a long history of cooperation. Ambassador Kabia recalled the depth of the partnership, which obliges both parties to engage in frank dialogue and open discussion. The EU delegation and the Comorian government aim to create a dynamic of cooperation that will promote mutual understanding and benefit both parties.
The strengthened partnership between the EU and the Comoros is expected to promote cooperation in various sectors, including the blue economy, and contribute to the country's economic growth and development. The two parties will continue to work together to identify common priorities and areas of cooperation, with the goal of creating a mutually beneficial partnership that promotes sustainable development and economic growth.
Key points
- The European Union and the Union of Comoros have reaffirmed their desire to promote a mutually beneficial partnership based on common and convergent interests.
- The partnership between the EU and the Comoros is built on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), which involve reciprocal market openings between the EU and the Comoros.
- The Samoa Agreement, signed in 2023, replaces the Cotonou Agreement and establishes a strengthened political partnership aimed at producing mutually beneficial results.
