The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell, had a phone call with the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadéra, on Tuesday 28 April 2020. 

The High Representative reiterated the European Union’s support for the Central African Republic, particularly in this stage of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. He confirmed that the European Union would shortly organise, in cooperation with France, a humanitarian air bridge to transport the sanitary equipment necessary to combat the pandemic. He also emphasised the importance of combatting pandemic-related disinformation and stigmatisation. The European Union will remain vigilant in case any parties are tempted to take advantage of the situation to undermine the stabilisation process in the Central African Republic.

The High Representative reiterated the European Union’s support for the organisation of the forthcoming presidential and general elections, scheduled for the end of the year. These elections are an essential stage in the country's democratic, reconciliation and peace process. EU financial support for the electoral process already amounts to €17.5 million.

High Representative Borrell said that implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation should be accelerated in spite of the current circumstances. He called for continued dialogue between all sides and for compliance with the undertakings given by the parties. The High Representative reiterated the European Union’s firm commitment to supporting this process in close coordination with its partners, in particular the United Nations and the African Union.

The conversation demonstrated, once again, the strength of the partnership between the European Union and the Central African Republic.