French President Emmanuel Macron and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye held talks at the Elysee Palace on Monday, focusing on bilateral cooperation between their countries. The meeting comes weeks after their discussions in New York. According to the Senegalese presidency, the two leaders reviewed bilateral files, including preparations for a joint government meeting and developing economic and trade exchanges as part of a renewed partnership.
President Faye, who is visiting France to participate in the Paris Peace Forum, exchanged views with Macron on major international issues of mutual interest. The Senegalese president expressed gratitude to France for its support in organizing the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, making Senegal the first African country to host the event. This support highlights the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
This is not the first meeting between Macron and Faye. In June 2024, Faye visited France, just over two months after assuming the presidency of Senegal. During his visit, he participated in the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation, where he had his first face-to-face conversation with Macron. Their discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations between Dakar and Paris.
In August 2025, President Faye returned to Paris to participate in a meeting of French business leaders. He was received at the Elysee Palace by Macron, and they discussed revising cooperation programs and strengthening relations, particularly in investment, trade, defense, and security. These meetings demonstrate the commitment of both leaders to reinforcing their partnership.
Macron and Faye also had a conversation in Spain in late June 2025, on the sidelines of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. During this meeting, they expressed their desire to continue rebuilding their partnership, especially in economic, security, and cultural sectors, as well as in the area of memory. This underscores their mutual interest in a strong bilateral relationship.
A planned visit by Macron to Senegal in late October was postponed due to tensions in France following protests against rising living costs, according to French media reports. The rescheduling of this visit will likely be a topic of discussion as both countries seek to strengthen their ties. The cooperation between France and Senegal has significant implications for the region.
The meeting between Macron and Faye reflects the ongoing efforts of both countries to enhance their cooperation across various sectors. Key areas of focus include economic and trade exchanges, defense, security, and cultural partnerships. As both nations continue to navigate global challenges, their bilateral relationship is expected to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The two leaders reviewed bilateral files, including preparations for a joint government meeting and developing economic and trade exchanges.
- President Faye expressed gratitude to France for its support in organizing the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
- The meeting reflects the ongoing efforts of both countries to enhance their cooperation across various sectors, including economic and trade exchanges, defense, security, and cultural partnerships.
