Joint Statement - Minister’s Barrot’s visit to the Central African Republic (March 16, 2026)
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot paid a working visit to the Central African city of Bangui on March 12 and 13.
During his visit to the Central African Republic, he met with Sylvie Notefe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central African Nationals Abroad. The two Ministers discussed the bilateral relationship between the CAR and France, as well as major regional and international issues of common interest.
The two officials also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the close and excellent bilateral cooperation that exists between our countries, in accordance with the road map signed by President Macron and President Touadéra in 2024.
They emphasized the importance of promoting a renewed partnership based on mutual respect, trust, transparency and shared interests, one that is both rooted in history and oriented toward the future.
They hailed the vibrant new political dialogue between our two countries and applauded our accelerating cooperation, characterized by a number of projects in such varied areas as governance, justice, culture, gender equality, research, youth initiatives, professional training, sports, the ecological transition, health and entrepreneurship, as well as administrative reform and judicial assistance.
The French government reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts by the Central African authorities to strengthen peace, national reconciliation and sustainable development. The Central African government expressed its commitment to strengthening constructive, mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly with regard to investment, institutional support, training and support for key projects.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on global security challenges, as well as those affecting Central Africa. They urged compliance with the values and principles of multilateralism, and respect for national sovereignty and international cooperation with the aim of ensuring peace and security.
On the bilateral front, the Central African Minister took the opportunity to thank the French Government for its loan of €25 million, equal to 16.4 billion FCFA, for the purpose of strengthening bilateral cooperation and meeting the priority needs of Central Africans, particularly by ensuring the sustainability of public finances and providing support for social sectors, especially healthcare.
On the multilateral front, the Minister hailed the French contribution to the CAR’s stabilization efforts via the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), as well as European missions: the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) and the European Union Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA).
They concluded their meeting by praising their excellent discussions and expressed their wish to continue their conversation in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, in accordance with the roadmap.
During his working visit, Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also officially opened the Expertise France office and the new Pasteur Institute building in Bangui in ceremonies attended by major Central African figures.
He concluded his stay in the Central African Republic with a courtesy call on His Excellency President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, during which he reiterated the French President’s invitation to his Central African counterpart to take part in the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by France and Kenya, which will be held in Nairobi on May 11 and 12.