Ouagadougou: The European Union Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, was granted an audience by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ou©draogo. This meeting, marked by mutual recognition, marked the end of the European diplomat's mission in Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, after two years of commitment at the head of the European Union delegation, Mr. Aristi came to express his gratitude and bid farewell to the Head of Government. "This was above all an opportunity for me to bid farewell to His Excellency the Prime Minister. I leave with great gratitude for what we have accomplished together," he said after the audience.
During his term, cooperation between Burkina Faso and the European Union has strengthened, notably through the recent signing of four financing agreements totaling £80 million, intended to support priority sectors of national development. The diplomat also highlighted the European Union's regional commitment, which is reflected in the implementation of more than a dozen joint programs with the Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), for a cumulative amount of £265 million.
"It was an honor to represent the European Union here. Two intense years, filled with promising projects and solid partnerships. I am proud of the work accomplished," the European diplomat emphasized.
The Prime Minister praised the diplomat's work, while reaffirming Burkina Faso's commitment to cooperation that respects national priorities: "Tell your successor that he is welcome. We are willing to maintain a partnership that respects our sovereignty and our priorities for the benefit of the people of Burkina Faso," he stressed.
Visibly moved, Mr. Aristi praised the dignity and resilience of the Burkinabe people, expressing his deep attachment to the country: "I am very sad to leave, but that is the nature of our work. I am leaving dazzled by the Burkinabe."
This audience concludes a mandate focused on strengthening cooperation, friendship, and a shared commitment to peace and development between the European Union and Burkina Faso.