The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, has commended Togo's progress in fighting extremism and developing its economy on her inaugural visit to the Commonwealth’s 56th member country, noting its recent membership offers a chance to further strengthen institutions through embracing Commonwealth Charter values like democracy, rule of law, and good governance.
During her meeting with various stakeholders, the Secretary-General emphasised the Commonwealth's unwavering commitment to advocate for small and developing countries like Togo on both regional and global stages.
Secretary-General Scotland said:
"I am so grateful for the hospitality we have received. The warmth and energy of the Togolese people is fantastic, from the women traders to the vibrant cultural displays and everything in between. This visit has been engaging, with extensive meetings with various stakeholders across the country over the past two days, and presents an opportunity for us to support Togo in delivering on the aspirations of its people.
We have important work ahead, and the Commonwealth will work with Togo to develop a roadmap of technical assistance and support to enhance its national development priorities."
Secretary-General Scotland met with President Faure Gnassingbé, presenting him with a signed copy of the Commonwealth Charter and briefing him on the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in October in Samoa, and encouraged Togo's inaugural participation as a member country.
She also held discussions with Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, members of the National Assembly, representatives from opposition political parties, traditional chiefs, civil society organisations, and youth representatives. These engagements supported the Secretary-General's objective in understanding the socio-political nuances of the country and assessing the best ways for the Commonwealth to provide assistance and support.
Prime Minister Dogbé said they were pleased to receive the Secretary-General and looked forward to tapping into all the resources, toolkits, and support available from the Secretariat to enhance the lives of the people of Togo.
Secretary-General Scotland also visited the Lome Port Terminal (LPT) and was briefed on Togo's engagement with the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group - a platform that can help Togo protect its ocean.
The Secretary-General's delegation was briefed on the country's security situation amidst regional instability and the resilience measures put in place by the government, security forces, and local communities to increase surveillance, awareness, and preparedness.
Secretary-General Scotland also met with women entrepreneurs and fishmongers, remarking on their critical role in building and uplifting Togolese society and economy.
Notes to Editors
- The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.7 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under.
- The Commonwealth spans the globe and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of our members are small states, many of which are island nations.
- The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.
- Member countries are supported by a network of more than 80 intergovernmental, civil society, cultural and professional organisations.
- The Commonwealth admitted Gabon and Togo as its 55th and 56th members respectively at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kigali, Rwanda in June 2022. Prior to this, Rwanda was the last country to join in 2009.
- For more information and regular updates about Commonwealth activities and initiatives, subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Media Contact
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