Ouagadougou:Burkina Faso considers Nigeria a ‘natural partner’ and a significant player in Africa, calling for enhanced cooperation in economic, security, and development sectors.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Burkinab¨ Foreign Affairs Minister Karamoko Traor© expressed these sentiments in a statement on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration in Ouagadougou. The statement, delivered by Hermann Yirigouin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the deep relations between Burkina Faso and Nigeria, extending beyond official diplomacy to include connections among families, businesses, universities, and communities.
Traor© advocated for the longstanding relationship to yield concrete economic and social benefits for both countries’ citizens through increased production, trade, and opportunities for young people. He noted that Nigeria’s economic strengths could support Burkina Faso’s development goals and urged a focus on transformative projects. He also emphasized that changes in regional arrangements should not weaken the enduring bonds between the countries.
The minister highlighted Burkina Faso’s commitment to engaging Nigeria in dialogue that respects both countries’ sovereignty and legitimate interests. He welcomed a recent meeting between ministers responsible for digital affairs and called for the fourth session of the Nigeria-Burkina Faso Joint Cooperation Commission to assess progress and update priorities.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, echoed the call for a new phase of practical cooperation. He stressed Nigeria’s commitment to African solidarity, peaceful coexistence, and regional integration. The ambassador pointed out the importance of security cooperation in addressing shared threats like terrorism, human trafficking, and cybercrime and called for enhanced security and defense cooperation, including intelligence sharing and joint training.
The ambassador also pledged to protect Nigerians’ legitimate interests in Burkina Faso and encouraged them to contribute positively to the country. He called for expanded trade and investment and a broader bilateral partnership.
The event was attended by members of the Nigerian community in Burkina Faso, senior government officials, diplomatic mission heads, UN agency representatives, and members of the business community.