ECOWAS Hosts German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Historic Visit
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led it’s President H.E Dr .Omar Alieu Touray today received His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany along side a strong delegation from the German government, at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.
This high-level visit underscores Germany’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with West Africa and supporting regional integration and development efforts.
President Steinmeier was warmly welcomed by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and senior officials from the regional bloc. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including security, climate change, trade, and sustainable development.
In his address, President Steinmeier commended ECOWAS for its pivotal role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa, particularly in navigating political transitions and addressing regional security challenges. He reaffirmed Germany’s dedication to supporting ECOWAS in its efforts to combat terrorism, address humanitarian crises, and foster economic growth.
“The challenges faced by West Africa are significant, but the resilience and determination of its people and institutions are even greater. Germany is proud to partner with ECOWAS in building a brighter future for the region,” said President Steinmeier.
H E Dr. Touray highlighted the longstanding partnership between ECOWAS and Germany, emphasizing the critical support provided by Germany in areas such as capacity building, governance reforms, and renewable energy initiatives.
“This visit reaffirms the shared values and goals of ECOWAS and Germany. Together, we can achieve sustainable development and address pressing challenges that impact the lives of millions in the region,” Dr. Touray stated.
The visit included bilateral discussions, a review of ongoing collaborative projects, and a cultural exchange program showcasing the rich heritage of West Africa. President Steinmeier’s visit marks a significant milestone in ECOWAS-Germany relations, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration in addressing global and regional challenges.
As the visit concludes, both parties expressed optimism about the future of their partnership, with commitments to deepen engagement in areas that promote peace, security, and sustainable development in West Africa.
