Africa foreign office minister visits Senegal

Foreign Office Minister for Africa James Duddridge visited the West African nation of Senegal Monday and Tuesday.

During his visit, Duddridge met with Senegalese President Macky Sall to discuss a number of issues, including border and interior security, politics and economic growth in the region and opportunities for business partnerships between entities in the United Kingdom and Senegal.

The minister also met with owners of local businesses.

A highlight of the visit was the passage of the Energy Africa Partnership Agreement, which was signed by Duddridge and Samuel Sarr, Senegal's minister of energy.

Under the terms of the agreement, officials from Senegal and the United Kingdom will work closely on initiatives that will lead to accessibility to cleaner, more affordable and efficient solar energy in Senegal.

"I am delighted that Senegal has joined the Energy Africa campaign," Duddridge said. "This is an exciting step toward affordable, clean energy for all. I look forward to working with Senegal on a range of issues in the future, from increasing trade collaboration to addressing international security challenges following Senegal’s election to the United Nations Security Council."