ECOWAS, Nordic countries commit to strengthening diplomatic ties
By Kunle Sanni
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening diplomatic relations and enhancing regional cooperation.
This renewed commitment was emphasized during an official visit by the foreign ministers of the Nordic countries to the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Thursday, ECOWAS Vice-Chair, Ms. Damtien Tchintchibidja, praised the longstanding partnership between the West African regional bloc and the Nordic nations. She highlighted the significant contributions these countries have made to ECOWAS’ key initiatives, including peace and security programs, early warning systems, maritime safety, climate change adaptation, and water resource management.
Tchintchibidja also acknowledged the financial and technical support provided by Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, noting that this assistance has been instrumental in advancing the region’s development goals.
“Tchintchibidja expressed the Commission’s appreciation for the continued support of these countries in the implementation of its regional integration programs, particularly in the areas of peace and security, early warning, maritime safety, climate change, and water resources. She also acknowledged the financial support given to ECOWAS by Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.”
She further emphasized the Commission’s desire to strengthen diplomatic cooperation with these countries and proposed an annual review of their collaborative efforts to ensure continued progress.
The foreign ministers of Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, along with the State Secretary for Development of Norway and the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, 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, including Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström; Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir; Norway’s State Secretary for International Development, Bjørg Sandkjær; and Denmark’s Under-Secretary for Foreign Policy, Ms. Eva Marie Frida Barløse, made a historic visit to Nigeria.
During their discussions with the Nigerian government, the officials addressed key areas of mutual interest, including security, economic cooperation, education, trade and investment, and the rule of law.
