Sub-Saharan Africa in Czech foreign policy
Sub-Saharan Africa in Czech foreign policy

Author(s): Kateřina Rudincová
Subject(s): Political history, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Political behavior, Comparative politics, Present Times (2010 - today)
Published by: Ústav mezinárodních vztahů
Keywords: Sub-Saharan Africa; Czech Republic; Foreign policy; political changes; economic diplomacy; bilateral relations;
Summary/Abstract: In 2015, the trend of strengthening the relations with the traditional partners in Sub-Saharan Africa continued, and also the creation of new relations. The interest in Sub-Saharan Africa was traditionally exercised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also other departments, particularly the environmental, agricultural, healthcare, and also industry, including the Czech Chamber of Commerce and the Association of the Industry and Transport which was reflected by increased export to Sub-Saharan Africa. The key aspect considering the implementation of the Czech foreign policy was the approval of new Concept of the Czech Foreign Policy which also focused on the concerned region. Unlike 2014, when the public area focused on the Ebola epidemics, Africa was widely perceived as a region providing significant economic opportunities which was reflected by the number of events organised in relation to the export opportunities to Africa. In 2015, no topic related to Sub-Saharan Africa was politicalized except for the migration issues which became a subject of stereotypical and sometimes even racist media discussions. The Parliament did not develop a polarised debate on the issue of sending the Czech soldiers to Mali within the UN mission MINUSMA, unlike 2013 when the Czech army was sent to Mali within the Training Mission of the European Union EUTM.

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