Togo strengthens ties with Kyrgyzstan at Shanghai Cooperation Summit

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé praised the warm welcome extended to him by Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov during his official visit to Bishkek. The Togolese leader is attending the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, a gathering of Eurasian leaders aimed at fostering regional cooperation.

Bilateral discussions praised by Lomé

In a statement shared on social media, President Gnassingbé expressed his appreciation for the invitation and the hospitality shown by his Kyrgyz counterpart. He highlighted the quality and relevance of the bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the summit, though he did not disclose specific topics discussed.

The meeting aligns with the SCO summit’s broader goal of uniting Eurasian heads of state and government to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. For Togo, this represents a strategic opportunity to expand its network of international partners.

Togo seeks broader global partnerships

The Togolese delegation views its participation as a step toward reinforcing the country’s engagement in global discussions on peace, security, multilateralism, and sustainable development. Gnassingbé emphasized Lomé’s commitment to diversifying partnerships and promoting international cooperation that supports shared prosperity.

« We remain dedicated to expanding our diplomatic and economic alliances to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth, » he stated.

Lomé champions African perspectives in Eurasian forums

The SCO Summit also serves as a platform for Togo to advocate for African interests on the global stage. Alongside Egypt, Togo is one of the two African nations invited to the event, reinforcing its role as a voice for the continent in international debates.

By participating in Bishkek, the Togolese government underscores its ambition to play a more active role in shaping solutions to global challenges, from regional stability to economic development. The visit reflects a broader strategy of broadening alliances beyond traditional partners to foster mutually beneficial cooperation.