ECOWAS Deepens Diplomatic Relations as Four New Ambassadors Present Credentials.
By Raymond Enoch
In a move that underscores the growing international interest in West Africa’s regional development and integration, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, formally received letters of credence from four newly appointed Ambassadors on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The ceremony, held at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, symbolizes a significant expansion of the Commission’s diplomatic engagements and deepening global partnerships.
The four newly accredited envoys include:
H.E. Andrey Podelyshev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation
H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, High Commissioner of Canada
H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines
H.E. Patrick Egloff, Ambassador of Switzerland
The event signals a new chapter in multilateral cooperation, as these nations extend their diplomatic footprints within the West African subregion through ECOWAS — a strategic bloc at the center of regional peace, economic transformation, and political integration.
Following the presentation of credentials, President Touray engaged each envoy in meaningful dialogue on enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Discussions centered on key areas of alignment with ECOWAS’s four strategic objectives: regional peace and security, economic integration, good governance, and sustainable development.
President Touray emphasized ECOWAS’s readiness to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation in strategic sectors such as trade, renewable energy, infrastructure, digital innovation, and human development. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to foster shared prosperity, resilience, and long-term stability across West Africa.
“This is not just a ceremonial tradition,” President Touray stated. “It is a manifestation of our collective aspiration to build bridges, cultivate mutual respect, and harness shared interests for the benefit of our peoples.”
The new wave of ambassadorial accreditations signals a resurgence in global engagement with West Africa through the ECOWAS platform, especially at a time when regional collaboration is pivotal in addressing cross-border challenges and unlocking inclusive growth.
As these envoys begin their diplomatic missions, the ECOWAS Commission anticipates an intensified era of cooperation—one driven by innovation, shared values, and enduring partnerships.
