(Togo First) – Togo recently joined the Organization of American States (OAS) as a Permanent Observer State. Frederic Hegbe, Togolese Ambassador to the U.S., presented the related credentials to the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, on January 26, 2024.
During the meeting, the two diplomats discussed future cooperation between Togo and the OAS. They also identified this cooperation’s priority areas. Ambassador Hegbe then showcased Togo’s major economic sectors–agriculture, mining, and regional trade–and highlighted its advantageous geographic position relative to Sahel countries.
Commenting on the rising insecurity at the sub-regional and global levels, Frederic Hegbe underlined Togo’s commitment to a regional and multilateral approach to military cooperation to tackle terrorism. « Our country is committed to a regional and multilateral approach to military cooperation, convinced that pooling our efforts is fundamental to stemming these two phenomena, » he said.
In response, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said the Organization was proud to welcome Togo onboard as a Permanent Observer State.
Founded in 1948, the OAS covers diplomacy and cooperation in its 35 Member countries. The Organization focuses on tackling economic and social development issues. Thus, its programs aim to reduce poverty, improve education and public health, and foster trade and investment, while striving to resolve conflicts.
Togo joined the Organization to find new investment opportunities, among others. Driven by the same ambition, the West African country has undertaken similar moves with other international organizations in recent years.
