Roland Sourd

Deputy Head of Cabinet of @JozefSikela, European Commissioner for International partnerships

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Today, I had a very productive meeting with @kayikwambaT, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

We talked about the assistance the EU could provide to support economic integration in the Great Lakes region. It would serve regional security and prosperity by supporting sustainable jobs and investment.

Regional cooperation is the DNA and the expertise of the EU, and we are eager to share this experience with all willing partners.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Today, I had a very productive meeting with @onduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda.

We talked about the assistance the EU could provide to support economic integration in the Great Lakes region. It would serve regional security and prosperity by supporting sustainable jobs and investment.

Regional cooperation is the DNA and the expertise of the EU, and we are eager to share this experience with all willing partners.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire and bring lasting peace to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I met today with Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of foreign affairs of Rwanda.

During our meeting, I emphasized that the territorial sovereignty and integrity of the DRC is essential and must be fully respected. I also stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict. Only political dialogue on its root causes can lead to sustainable, lasting peace.

Therefore, we urge all parties to immediately pursue dialogue with all parties, following the road map of the merged Luanda/Nairobi processes and the conclusions of the recent AU PSC and EAC/SADC Summits.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Tomorrow at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the serious humanitarian and security situation in Eastern DRC will be addressed. This is my stance:

🔵 We need an immediate ceasefire, a cessation of hostilities, and respect for the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law.

🔵 I welcome African-led solutions, and it is my priority to support them.

🔵 The territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC must be respected.

🔵 There is no military solution to the conflict. Only political dialogue on the root causes of the conflict will lead to sustainable, lasting peace.

🔵 We plead for all parties to immediately pursue dialogue with all parties, following the road map of the merged Luanda/Nairobi processes and the conclusions of the recent AU PSC and EAC/SADC Summits.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Nous fournissons des équipements de sécurité et contribuons au renforcement des forces de sécurité mauritaniennes. Cela contribue à la stabilité de la région du Sahel tout en renforçant la sécurité en Europe.

Nous permettons également à la Mauritanie de répondre aux défis des nombreux flux migratoires qui affectent ce pays de transit. Ces efforts sont combinés avec des projets de développement économique dans les pays d’origine qui aideront les populations à construire leur avenir dans leur propre pays.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Grâce à des accords de pêche durable et à la modernisation des infrastructures portuaires, nous créons des emplois, augmentons les revenus des communautés locales et assurons une gestion responsable des ressources marines mauritaniennes.

Ces efforts soutiennent également des chaînes d’approvisionnement stables pour le marché européen des produits de la mer.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

La construction d’une centrale solaire à Kiffa et d’une ligne de transmission de 1 400 km reliant Nouakchott à Néma garantiront à la Mauritanie un approvisionnement fiable en énergie propre. Ces projets amélioreront la vie quotidienne des habitants, stimuleront l’économie locale et contribueront à la lutte mondiale contre le changement climatique.

Nous travaillons également très activement avec les autorités et le secteur privé mauritanien pour créer l’environnement qui permettra à la Mauritanie d’exploiter pleinement son potentiel à produire et commercialiser de l’hydrogène vert.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Nous soutenons la construction d’un centre de données Tier III à Nouakchott ainsi que le déploiement d’un nouveau câble sous-marin permettant d’améliorer l’accès à Internet . Ces initiatives impliquent des entreprises technologiques européennes, qui trouvent ainsi de nouvelles opportunités sur le marché africain.

Grâce à la digitalisation, nous permettons d’améliorer le fonctionnement de l’administration mauritanienne, nous permettons un accès à internet pour tous et le déploiement de nouveaux outils en matière d’éducation. Le déploiement de ces nouveaux outils numériques bénéficie aussi au milieu des affaires.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

En Mauritanie, nous contribuons à l’amélioration de la vie des habitants par des projets concrets menés dans des domaines d’intérêts partagés entre la Mauritanie et l’Union européenne. Nous contribuons à attirer les investissements de nos entreprises européennes pour augmenter notre impact tout en créant de nouvelles opportunités.

C’est l’essence même de notre approche des partenariats internationaux et de la stratégie Global Gateway. Examinons de plus près ces projets.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Trust me, I knew very well why I chose Mauritania for my first official mission as Commissioner for International Partnerships. It is a reliable partner, and we work together on many important projects that focus on the economic development and stability of Mauritania, while also creating new opportunities for 🇪🇺 companies.

I discussed these projects and the importance of our cooperation with the President of Mauritania, @CheikhGhazouani.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

The coming years will be critical to Europe’s political future, influenced not only by developments within our borders but equally by what happens in the world around us. The Global Gateway strategy is one of our 🇪🇺 key responses to the growing complexity of today’s challenges.

As the foundation of my International Partnerships portfolio, Global Gateway will be my task to further develop as Commissioner. Today at the @Grand_Continent Summit, I spoke about its strategic importance in strengthening Europe’s position in the world.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

The transition to a decarbonized economy demands large amounts of critical raw materials. In our efforts to successfully achieve this transition, we must avoid new dependencies on the supply of these materials.

The goal of the Global Gateway strategy, which we today discussed at the @Grand_Continent Summit, is to develop fair cooperation among equal partners that will allow us to do exactly that.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Our rivals try very hard to gain strong influence within the developing world. Their aim is to earn diplomatic support on the multilateral level, exploit economic dependencies, and, in extreme cases, destabilize Europe by encouraging irregular migration.

At the @Grand_Continent Summit, I described the reasons why the Global Gateway strategy will help us respond to their efforts.

[Le Grand Continent @Grand_Continent]

Jozef Sikela @JozefSikela participe à la deuxième édition du Sommet Grand Continent, du 4 au 6 décembre en Vallée d’Aoste.

Les séances plénières et les entretiens exclusifs conduits dans le cadre du Sommet peuvent être visionnés ci-dessous :

https://t.co/nJ2XPbzC6d

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

You probably already know me, but the truth is, that throughout my career, I have always relied on the team around me. That’s why, in preparing for my new portfolio, I placed great emphasis on building a truly capable cabinet.

I did my best to ensure that together we are strong in all relevant areas, both in expertise and regional focus. Allow me to introduce my new colleagues.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Our Senior Expert, Nati Lorenzo, brings a vast knowledge in international development cooperation. With significant experience from senior roles in the European Institutions and field experience in EU Delegations and international organizations.

Nati will focus on strengthening our global partnerships in Asia and the Pacific in areas like digital transformation, green transition, human development and sustainable infrastructure.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

Supporting Lucie will be her deputy, @Rolandps, who impressed me from our very first meeting with his extensive expertise on Africa and key related topics—from development projects and financing to migration.

I’m pleased he brings experience from previous commissioners’ cabinets, the European Commission, and French government offices to our team.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

The head of my cabinet, @luciesestakova, excels with her deep understanding of everything important at the 🇪🇺 European level and her admirable dedication.

I witnessed this during our successful Czech presidency, then as a minister and also during my preparations on the role of the European Commissioner. I’m very much looking forward to continuing our successful cooperation.

[Jozef Síkela @JozefSikela]

New role, new city, new challenge. Today, I officially start at the Berlaymont as the new European Commissioner responsible for International Partnerships. I realize that, together with my fellow commissioners, I will have great responsibility for the future of 🇪🇺 Europe.

Therefore, I have diligently prepared for my portfolio and will set off on my first foreign mission to Mauritania this December. The future of Europe will also be shaped in our partner countries.

Whether it’s fighting climate change, reducing illegal migration, or ensuring sufficient raw materials for modern industry, we need to have the good relationships with our partners for all of this. I will work hard to ensure that they are beneficial for both us and them.

[Roland Sourd @Rolandps]

@UEDouglasCarp @pais_rosario @DUeGabonGeStp D’excellents souvenirs et une excellente ambassadrice. Regrets et condoléances.