Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, for a working breakfast focused on reinforcing bilateral relations.
The meeting comes just weeks after France returned strategic military assets to Senegal, signaling a new era in their long-standing partnership.
President Faye thanked President Macron for the warm welcome and stated that the meeting allowed them to “reaffirm our shared desire to strengthen bilateral relations” in critical areas. He added that the discussion centered on a review of their cooperation program portfolio, with a focus on investment, trade, defense, and security. These topics are set to be the main agenda items for the next intergovernmental seminar between the two nations, which is expected to take place in Dakar in 2025.
This meeting follows the tradition of the Franco-Senegalese intergovernmental seminar, a unique forum that France holds only with Senegal. The last seminar was in December 2022, and the two presidents had previously agreed to hold another one in 2025 to set strategic priorities.
In July 2025, President Faye visited military sites in Dakar that were recently returned by France, including bases at Ouakam, Bel Air, and the Navy. These assets are now “fully under Senegalese sovereignty.” The gradual withdrawal of French forces was hailed as the result of “fraternal discussions” and marks a shift toward a new model of cooperation. The two countries will now focus on joint training, instruction, and technical support, particularly in cybersecurity and the fight against terrorism.
Economically, France remains a top partner for Senegal, accounting for 12% of its imports and 17% of its foreign investment. Their collaboration also extends to cultural and scientific fields, with several institutions and a Franco-Senegalese Campus promoting educational and research exchanges.
This meeting at the Élysée Palace reinforces the commitment of both countries to a multifaceted partnership based on mutual respect and strategic cooperation across all key sectors, from the economy to security.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA