His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Omar Alieu Touray Calls for The Preservation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Unity During His Meeting with The Heads of Delegation and Mission of The European Union in West Africa
Dr. Omar Alieu Douray, Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee, stressed that it is necessary to retain the unity of Ecowas at all costs. Addressing the head of the EU delegation and the head of the mission to West Africa at a meeting in Nigeria on Thursday at the Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, he stressed that only effective and mutually helpful cooperation can address the challenges facing the community.
Dr Touray also stressed the need to strengthen ECOWAS (EU Cooperation) and continued to work together to address the challenges facing the Ecowas region through a fair and mutually beneficial partnership.
He said “I am glad we have the opportunity to exchange information and hear from the EU about our cooperation and concerns and common interests. This particular meeting is for us to share our views on the situation in the subregion and how some of the challenges can be best addressed. The unity of Ecowas must be preserved at all costs. This is because disunity or disintegration threatens us in many ways. ”
“Disuniformity threatens our security and the security issues facing as a community, requiring our cooperation to overcome them. Disuniformity also threatens governance in our country. If we remain divided, we will not be able to resolve it. That’s why our leaders have a great responsibility for our solidarity.
Dr Touray expressed his gratitude to Ecowas for the EU being a historic and strategic partner. He also praised the EU’s continued and repeated support, not only at the regional level, but also at the individual membership level.
“Various programs and programs, including the Tenth and 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and the Neighborhood Development and International Cooperation Tool (NDICI), enable the EU to provide significant support to ECOWAS and ECOWAS member states in seeking development. Ecowas thanked West Africa for its 11.6 billion euro envelope and six priority areas for cooperation. ” He added.
In his speech, the EU delegation awarded Ambassador Gautier Mignot, head of Nigeria and Environmental Protection Organization, stressed the importance of Ecowas as a strategic partner and reiterated the EU’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with Ecowas to deepen the integration process in West Africa.
Ambassador Gautier Mignot said “We are delighted to hold this meeting with Ecowas. The EU sees itself as a key example of the benefits of regional integration. The EU is committed to supporting the community to jointly promote democracy, good governance, human rights, human rights, rule of law, peace, peace, peace, peace, security and regional integration In West Africa, our cooperation with Ecowas and job seekers of its members provides collaboration with ECOWS. The political, security, economic, humanitarian and environmental challenges faced by the region.”
Over the years, the EU’s partnership with ECOWAS has remained very strong, which was received by the signatory countries in October 2023, with a financing package worth over 210 million euros, which contribute to ECOWAS plans and activities that align with the goals of the EU’s global investment strategy. 11 simplified financial agreements supporting ECOWAS have been reached. These agreements cover areas such as trade, immigration, energy, agriculture, peace, security and governance, digital economy and capacity building. The total amount of support is 370 million euros, with specific projects under this support including African trade competitiveness and market access; Sub-Saharan Africa trade and support programmes by dedicated ECOWAS organizations.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS).
