ECOWAS, Nordic nations partner on new era of diplomatic collaboration

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to enhance its collaborative efforts with the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

This announcement comes following a fruitful meeting held on August 13, 2024, at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, where foreign ministers from these nations visited to discuss future partnerships.

Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, the Vice-Chair of the ECOWAS Commission, commended the enduring and fruitful cooperation that has characterized the relationship between ECOWAS and the Nordic nations.

She highlighted the Nordic countries’ unwavering support in implementing crucial regional integration programs that address vital issues such as peace and security, climate change, maritime safety, and water resource management.

During the meeting, Tchintchibidja expressed her gratitude for the substantial financial assistance provided by Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, which has been instrumental in the progress of ECOWAS initiatives. She emphasized the Commission’s readiness to cultivate a robust and dynamic diplomatic relationship with the Nordic countries, urging for an annual review process to assess and enhance their collaborative efforts.

The visiting foreign ministers from Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, alongside the State Secretary for Development from Norway and the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs from Denmark, echoed Tchintchibidja’s sentiments. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership and working collectively towards regional stability and economic integration.

The meeting was attended by key ECOWAS officials, including Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Abdou Kolley, Director of the President’s Office; Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security; and Jérôme Boa, Director of External Relations. Together, they discussed strategies to further deepen the collaboration between ECOWAS and the Nordic countries, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by the West African region.