France: We have taken note of Chad’s decision and intend to continue dialogue with N’Djamena
France has taken note of Chad’s decision to cancel defense cooperation agreements between the two countries, but intends to continue dialogue with N’Djamena, according to French foreign ministry statement on Friday.
“France began a study and dialogue with its partners about restructuring its military resources in Africa about two years ago,” statement said.
According to the French foreign ministry, “France intends to continue dialogue with N’Djamena in order to put these directions into effect”.
France hasn’t yet been officially informed of the cancellation of the agreements between it and Chad in the field of defense and security, explaining that Paris began about two years ago a study and dialogue with its partners regarding the restructuring of its military resources in Africa.
The Chadian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday evening the termination of security and defense cooperation agreements with France, shortly after the visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to the capital, N’Djamena.
The ministry explained that this decision, taken after in-depth analysis, represents a historic turning point, and that 66 years after the declaration of the Republic of Chad, it’s time for the country to assert its full sovereignty and redefine its strategic partnerships based on national priorities.
Chad has been showing rapprochement with Russia for some time, and the country’s president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, visited Moscow a few months ago and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He also received Russian officials in N’Djamena, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
