(FILES) Senegalese opposition presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye addresses his first press conference after being declared winner of Senegal’s presidential election, in Dakar, on March 25, 2024. – Bassirou Diomaye Faye was sworn in on April 2, 2024 as Senegal’s youngest president after sweeping to a first-round victory on a pledge of radical reform 10 days after he was released from prison. (Photo by JOHN WESSELS / AFP)

Senegal’s new leader, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has called for a “rethought” relationship with the EU during a visit by European Council President Charles Michel.

Faye, who was inaugurated as president on April 2, was elected on pledges of radical reform and promises to restore national “sovereignty” over key industries.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Michel on Monday night, Faye said cooperation between Senegal and Europe was “dense and multifaceted, but together we want a rethought, renovated partnership,”one “capable of supporting the innovative dynamic we want to imprint on our relations.”

As part of his promised reforms, Faye recently announced the renegotiation of oil and gas contracts, and hopes to do the same with fishing agreements signed with the European Union.

Fishing is a significant part of Senegal’s economy, but the industry is grappling with the effects of overexploitation of marine stocks.

Michel said the two parties “should not dread” broaching difficult subjects if it meant “bringing about improvements for both sides,”pointing to the fisheries issue in particular.

Faye said his government would pursue a model of boosting development from within, focusing on agriculture, livestock and fishing, while also strengthening infrastructure such as railways, electrical grids, telecommunications and roads.

“European investors whose companies have recognised skills in these different sectors are welcome,” he added.

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