The Economic Community of West African States and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing regional cooperation.
This was made clear during an official visit by the foreign ministers of the Nordic countries to the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the Vice-Chair of the ECOWAS Commission, Ms. Damtien Tchintchibidja, commended the longstanding partnership between the West African regional bloc and the Nordic countries.
She highlighted their significant contributions to ECOWAS’ key initiatives, including peace and security programmes, early warning systems, maritime safety, climate change adaptation, and water resource management.
Tchintchibidja acknowledged the financial and technical assistance provided by Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
“Tchintchibidja appreciated the continued support of these countries to ECOWAS in the implementation of its regional integration programmes, particularly in the areas of peace and security, early warning, maritime safety, climate change and water resources.
“She also acknowledged the numerous financial supports given to ECOWAS by Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
“Tchintchibidja expressed the commission’s willingness to build a strong and dynamic diplomatic cooperation with the Nordic countries, and reaffirmed the commitment of ECOWAS to strengthen existing cooperation between the commission and the Nordic countries,” the statement read in part.
She further emphasised the commission’s desire to bolster diplomatic cooperation with these countries, proposing an annual review of their collaborative efforts to ensure progress.
The foreign ministers of Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, the State Secretary for Development of Norway and the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, accompanied by several of their officials, expressed their determination to deepen relations with ECOWAS.
They reiterated their commitment to supporting the regional bloc’s efforts in fostering economic integration and stability across West Africa.
The delegation of top officials from Nordic countries, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billström; the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, the State Secretary for International Development of Norway, Bjørg Sandkjær, and the Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark, Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, made a historic visit to Nigeria.
During their talks with the Nigerian government, they discussed key areas of mutual interest, including security, economic cooperation, education, trade and investment, and the rule of law.
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