Brussels, 04/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs will arrive in Djibouti on 5 July at the start of an official two-day visit. The issues of governance and cooperation between the EU and Djibouti, particularly in the areas of energy, water and sanitation, will be central to discussions with President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita, and members of government. The commissioner will take the opportunity of this visit to announce the Commission's intention, during the course of 2011, to sign financing agreements worth €22 million from the European Development Fund.
“Djibouti is an important player in the Horn of Africa, which has clearly demonstrated its commitment to peace and stability in the region. The Commission wants to support its people in addressing the main challenges of the coming years, such as access to affordable and green energy and water supply”, Piebalgs said on Monday, the eve of his departure.
During the trip, the commissioner will also meet the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and will visit a number of EU-funded projects in Djibouti. (A.N./transl.rt)