23/11/2011  - 

Moving from humanitarian needs to development, and from bringing relief to supporting recovery and stability – these were the topics for today's discussion between Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva and President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire.

The European Commission was one of the first donors to help the Ivoreans affected by the turmoil in their country in late 2010 and early 2011. Several million people were displaced by the violence that errupted after a disputed election. The Commission's humanitarian assistance helped more than a million people who were fleeing for their lives and were in urgent need of food, water, medical care and shelter.

The Commissioner and President Ouattara discussed measures to ensure swift recovery and return to stability, and to foster the return and ressettlement of internally displaced persons and Ivorian refugees in neighbouring countries.

The European Commission has been the largest humanitarian donor during the recent Côte d’Ivoire crisis, providing € 60 million in humanitarian aid.