Bamako, Feb 22 (IANS) The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for West Africa and the Sahel Leonardo Santos Simao called for the establishment of a cooperation framework between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
His appeal was made during an official visit to Bamako. During his visit, Simao met with Mali’s Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga, according to a statement from the Malian Prime Minister’s Office. The discussions focused on the security situation in the region, the evolving regional landscape, and potential collaboration between the United Nations and Mali, Xinhua news agency reported.
Simao commended the Malian transitional government’s “determination and clear vision” and emphasized the importance of international support in addressing security challenges. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to assisting Mali and other Sahel nations grappling with terrorism and instability.
“We respect the right of nations to unite around their common interests,” Simao stated, referring to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States. He advocated for a constructive cooperation framework between AES and ECOWAS to foster regional stability and development.
Maiga provided an overview of Mali’s socio-economic situation and highlighted recent security improvements. He also outlined the “eight strategic pillars” set by Mali’s President Assimi Goita, for the country’s governance and development.
The Malian leader welcomed the UN delegation’s visit and expressed appreciation for the United Nations’ role in supporting Mali’s security efforts. He underscored the need for continued international engagement in the region.
Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, formally withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, following an announcement in early January 2024. Despite this, ECOWAS has stated that it remains open to dialogue with the three countries.
The regional bloc has also instructed its remaining 12 member states to continue recognizing passports and national identity cards issued by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger bearing the ECOWAS logo. Additionally, trade in goods and services between the departing nations and ECOWAS members will continue under existing regulations until a new framework is established. Negotiations on future relations between the three countries and ECOWAS are ongoing.
–IANS
int/rs
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
