Dakar, May 7 (APS) – The Senegalese head of state, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, underlined, Tuesday in Abidjan, the important role that his country and Ivory Coast must play in consolidating achievements in terms of integration into the West African community space.
Senegal and Ivory Coast have an important role to play in consolidating achievements in terms of integration in the West African community space despite the turbulence experienced by the sub-region,” President Faye declared in particular. the outcome of a meeting with his Ivorian counterpart Alassane Ouattara.
In comments reported by the AIP, the official information agency of Côte d’Ivoire, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on a working visit to this country, assured that he had received wise advice from the Ivorian head of state in the framework of strengthening the regional union.
”I have received from you wise advice, possible solutions which must be explored so that we can once again strengthen the union, the unity in the large regional and sub-regional groups that we share. Constant will be my availability to work with you to strengthen our common space,” assured the Senegalese Head of State in his declaration.
He insisted on the importance of the role that the two countries must play in consolidating integration at the level of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the West African Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the African Union.
”It is when these large groups are strengthened that the prospects will also be strengthened,” argued Bassirou Diomaye Faye, ensuring that he is convinced of the need to continue to act in solidarity within ECOWAS through reforms. by working to dispel misunderstandings.
For the Senegalese president, the resources and political will combined should contribute to strengthening the unity, cohesion and sovereignty of ECOWAS which, according to him, is a “formidable tool for integration” cited in example on the African continent.
”We will benefit from preserving it. I know your commitment to move in this direction because after all, we have the obligation to preserve the legacy of the founding fathers,” insisted President Faye.
He did not fail to raise the challenges facing the sub-region and, in particular, should lead to measuring the seriousness of the real threats to the collapse of States, as well as the risks of disintegration of the sub-regional union.
”I know I can count on your wisdom to, alongside you, continue to act, especially strengthening preventive actions. It is always better to prevent a crisis than to try to resolve it. But when the crises are already there too, we must take them head on,” said Mr. Faye.
For him, whether the crises are political, democratic or economic, they remain major sources of instability and even destabilization and also fertile ground for the flourishing of violent extremism and terrorism which undermine the development efforts of country.
”If we synergize our capabilities as I wish, with a more appreciable level, it is certain that we can also face many challenges, including those linked to the context of the global economic crises that we are experiencing. to live,” he added.
He proposed to his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, to convene a new session of the large joint commission which has not met since 2014.
”For my part, I will work to strengthen relations between the two countries for better consideration of African priorities. Whether it is the reform of political-economic governance, sustainable development, climate change, peace or international security, said Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
In the Ivorian capital, the new Senegalese head of state is making his fourth official visit abroad, after Mauritania, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, since taking office on April 2.
At the inauguration of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Alassane Ouattara was represented, on April 2, 2024, by his vice-president, Tiémoko Meyliet.
This visit also takes place following the accreditation of the new Ivorian ambassador to Senegal, Mamadou Haïdara, received on May 2 by Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the presidential palace.
AKS/MTN
