On March 30, 2026, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot hosted a high-level meeting with Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. The meeting focused on deepening the EU single market and enhancing European industrial competitiveness as part of the Industrial Accelerator initiative. This EU-wide project represents a strategic push to strengthen European preference and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains in critical industries. France affirmed its full support for the project, citing the importance of industrial sovereignty amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions. The commitment is aligned with France’s broader... [Continue Reading]
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his Ivorian counterpart Nialé Kaba spoke by phone on March 30, 2026, marking a reaffirmation of the longstanding ties between France and Côte d’Ivoire. The conversation celebrated recent bilateral activities, including the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum to Côte d’Ivoire, Côte d’Ivoire’s participation as guest of honour at the International Agricultural Show in France, and a Franco-Ivorian business forum organized by Business France. Both ministers agreed to strengthen economic cooperation by increasing trade and investment flows between the two nations. They also discussed expanding cooperation in cultural heritage and museum sectors, aiming... [Continue Reading]