FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Although
Togo's foreign policy is nonaligned, it has strong historical
and cultural ties with western Europe, especially France and Germany.
Togo recognizes the People's Republic of China, North Korea, and
Cuba. It re-established relations with Israel in 1987.
Togo pursues
an active foreign policy and participates in many international
organizations. It is particularly active in West African regional
affairs and in the African Union. Relations between Togo and neighboring
states are generally good.
U.S.–TOGOLESE
RELATIONS
Togo is a pro-Western, market-oriented country, and the United
States and Togo have had generally good relations since its independence,
although the United States has never been one of Togo's major
trade partners. The largest share of U.S. exports to Togo generally
has been used clothing and scrap textiles. Other important U.S.
exports include rice, wheat, shoes, and tobacco products, and
U.S. personal computers and other office electronics are becoming
more widely used.
The Government
of Togo, with the support of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
(OPIC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),
established an export processing zone (EPZ) in Togo. The zone
has attracted private investors interested in manufacturing, assembly,
and food processing, primarily for the export market. USAID closed
its local office in 1994 and runs local development programs from
its office in Abidjan through nongovernmental organizations in
Togo.
Peace Corps began its work in Togo in 1962, which since that time has hosted more than 2,200 Peace Corps Volunteers. Currently there are 114 Volunteers serving in Togo. Volunteers have a successful history of collaboration and involvement with the Togolese people at all levels. Their efforts build upon counterpart relationships and emphasize low-cost solutions that make maximum use of local resources. Partnering with local and international organizations is an important component of Volunteer project activities. Volunteers work to promote self-sufficiency in the areas of small business development, education, environment, and health. All Volunteers, regardless of sector, are trained in how to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Patricia M. Hawkins
Deputy Chief of Mission--Ellen Thorburn
Management Officer--Ruth D. Wagoner
Public Affairs Officer--Amelia Broderick
Consular Officer--Melanie Zimmerman
Political/Economic/Commercial Officer--Susan F. Walke
Peace Corps Director--Brownie Lee
The U.S. Embassy is located on Boulevard Eyadema, Lomé (tel: 228-261-5470/1/2/3). The mailing address is B.P. 852, Lomé, Togo (international mail) and AmEmbassy Lome, 2300 Lome Place, Washington, DC 20521-2300 (by diplomatic pouch).
