Switzerland was among the first European countries to recognise the independence of Senegal (1960) and Guinea (1958), and both countries have expressed their appreciation of this on previous visits.
During his stay in Dakar, Mr de Buman met his Senegalese counterpart, Moustapha Niasse. Various topics were discussed, including bilateral and inter-parliamentary relations, security and vocational education and training. The Swiss model for VET is much admired in Senegal (and in Guinea), and there is a potential for close cooperation between the two Senegal and Switzerland on VET. With regard to potential future cooperation, the themes of water and renewable energies (solar energy in particular) were discussed.
In an exchange with various representatives from the raw materials sectors (from politics, the private sector and civil society), the delegations discussed the challenges related to exploiting and trading in these resources. Senegal is rich in oil, gas and gold, as well as sulphate, titan, and cobalt. Switzerland is the main hub for trade in various raw materials, including gold. Both sides agreed on the importance of ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of responsibilities and benefits related to raw materials. The challenge for Senegal is to strengthen its know-how in the various processes related to raw materials, namely exploitation, production and trade.
Finally, the National Council president gave a speech as a guest of honour at the inauguration of the Swiss Embassy in Dakar. The renovation of the embassy had just been completed.
Mr de Buman then travelled to the Guinean capital Conakry, where he was received by Claude Kory Kondiano, President of the National Assembly. Mr de Buman discussed bilateral relations, infrastructure (which is obviously lacking), VET, raw materials and migration with Mr Kondiano and Mamadi Touré, Minister of Foreign Affairs. As the ‘water reservoir’ of West Africa, Guinea has a potential that could also be exploited for energy production and in the agri-food sector (irrigation, etc.). Mr de Buman explained that Switzerland could not finance major projects in Guinea, but that it could share its expertise with Guinea.
During a visit to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), projects to reintegrate young people who had returned to Guinea after unsuccessful attempts to emigrate to Europe as refugees were presented. Guinea has become the country in sub-Saharan Africa with the highest number of returns and is also benefitting from Switzerland’s commitment in this area.
During a courtesy visit to the Guinean Head of State, Alpha Condé, Mr de Buman took note of the desire for an increase in Swiss investment in Guinea. In this context, he stressed that Swiss companies were free to choose where to invest and that their choice was often linked to certain conditions (political stability, state of infrastructure, etc.).
Mr de Buman ended his trip with a visit to the floating hospital Africa Mercy,currently moored in the port of Conakry. During the visit, he was able to meet Swiss volunteers who work on board the ship.