7/5/11-Development: Piebalgs due in Djibouti

 

On 5 July, Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs is due to arrive in Djibouti. The aim of the visit is to discuss strengthening cooperation in terms of energy, water and sanitisation. These are three key sectors in the Union’s strategy towards the country in the framework of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

Prior to his departure, Commissioner Piebalgs said in a statement: “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. In the course of 2011, we plan to sign financing agreements worth €22 million.”

The commissioner is set to meet with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and several other high-level representatives of the Djibouti government.

The total sum of the aid granted by the Union as part of the 9th EDF (2002-2007) and the 10th EDF (2008-2013) is close to €64 million. EU projects in the country include continuing the rehabilitation of the Route Nationale 1 (€7.5 million) and an investment project for a clean water supply network and a sewerage network for the town of Djibouti (€17.7 million). The Commission has also signed a financing agreement for a project that will reinforce the electric power interconnection between Ethiopia and Djibouti (€12 million