French FM announces restoration of ties with Central African Republic

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with the Central African Republic. Barrot made the announcement during a two-day trip to the country.

"This is the first time in eight years that a French foreign minister is present in Bangui and his presence marks the complete restoration of relations between their two countries after a period of strain and tension," Barrot told reporters.

He said France was looking forward to "reinforcing their relations in all sectors". In 2024, Faustin-Archange Touadera, president of the Central African Republic, met with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Paris as part of efforts to resume ties.