The new Ambassador of France to the United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Mr. Marcel Escure today presented his accreditation letter to the Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera as Special Representative of France to the Community.

Amb. Escure replaces Mr. Jacques Champagne de Labriolle whose tour of duty as France’s Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania ended late last year.

In a letter dated 21 November 2011, France’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Alain Juppe states that H.E. Mr. Marcel Escure’s mission to the EAC will further strengthen the ties between France and the East African Community.

“France wishes to support the integration process that your Community has started as well as the rapprochement initiated with the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa,” noted the French Foreign Minister.

The EAC Secretary General Amb. Sezibera hailed the cordial relations that exist between France and the EAC Partner States, and briefed the French envoy on the critical activities that will dominate the integration agenda in the next five years which include consolidation of the EAC Customs Union and establishing a single customs territory; implementation of the provisions of the Common Market Protocol and; conclusion of the Protocol for the Establishment of the East African Monetary Union.

For more information please contact: Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Tel: 255-768-835021; Email: othieno@eachq.org