By Damilola Charles
Burkina Faso says Nigeria is a “natural partner” and major African player, and has called for stronger economic, security and development cooperation between both countries.
Burkinabè Foreign Affairs Minister Karamoko Traoré said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
The statement was issued in connection with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration in Ouagadougou and delivered on his behalf by Hermann Yirigouin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Traoré said relations between Burkina Faso and Nigeria had gone beyond official diplomacy to encompass strong people-to-people ties involving families, businesses, universities and communities.
He said the longstanding relationship should translate into concrete economic and social benefits for citizens of both countries through increased production, trade and opportunities for young people.
The minister said Nigeria’s economic strengths could complement Burkina Faso’s development aspirations, urging both countries to focus on transformative projects.
He said changes in regional institutional arrangements should not weaken the longstanding bonds between the peoples of both countries.
Traoré said Burkina Faso remained committed to engaging Nigeria through dialogue based on respect for the sovereignty and legitimate interests of both countries.
He also welcomed a recent high-level meeting between ministers responsible for digital affairs in both countries.
The minister called for the fourth session of the Nigeria-Burkina Faso Joint Cooperation Commission to be convened as soon as possible.
According to him, the session should provide an opportunity to assess progress, update priorities, agree on an implementation timeline and strengthen follow-up on bilateral commitments.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, also called for a new phase of practical cooperation between the two countries.
Endoni said Nigeria remained committed to African solidarity, peaceful coexistence, regional integration, respect for sovereignty and peaceful settlement of disputes.
He said Nigeria and Burkina Faso established diplomatic relations in 1972, with their ties sustained by shared history, cultural affinities and common aspirations.
The ambassador said security cooperation had become especially important as threats confronting both countries continuously crossed national borders.
He identified terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, cybercrime and other transnational organised crimes as areas requiring closer cooperation.
Endoni called for stronger security and defence cooperation through intelligence sharing, border cooperation, capacity building, joint training and professional exchanges.
He said Nigeria would continue to work with Burkina Faso to promote safer borders, stronger economies, food and energy security, human development and protection of citizens.
The ambassador also pledged continued protection of the legitimate interests of Nigerians resident in Burkina Faso, while urging them to remain law-abiding and contribute positively to the country.
He called for stronger security and defence cooperation, 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, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of UN agencies and members of the business community, among others. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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