Abuja, 12^th September 2017. The ECOWAS Commission President Marcel de Souza has pledged continuous cooperation with the governments of Cuba and Burundi, the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in the realization of specific objectives towards the greater integration of West Africa.

Coffering separately with the ambassadors of Cuba and Burundi and a delegation from the EU and ECCAS at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on the 11^th of September 2017, president de Souza stated that their maximum support is needed in the implementation of integration programmes, reintroduction of transparency and fiscal discipline.

President de Souza further said the strengthening of peace and security efforts is necessitated by the wave of security challenges currently being experienced in the region.

He gave a situation report of the region covering security, general economic wellbeing and the regional efforts at controlling the outbreak of disasters as well as the implications for the citizens of West Africa such as the outbreak of cholera.

The Cuban Ambassador Carlos Trejo Sosa requested a visit to his country by President de Souza in order for both sides to explore further cooperation and the possibility of Cuban assistance in humanitarian deliveries as well as health care support especially in times of emergencies and natural disasters.

Ambassador Sosa described ECOWAS as a “great conglomeration of important countries which we want to have great relations with since the Cuban people are descendants of these part of Africa”

Mr. Kurt Cornelis, Head, Cooperation Delegation of EU to Nigeria briefed the president on the state of play regarding EU funded programmes for ECOWAS while reviewing other financial details.

On his part, the Burundian envoy Barnabe Dassigli who represents all ECOWAS Member States for his principal in Bujumbura, stressed the importance of working closely with ECOWAS as part of African solidarity in order to position the continent properly to deal with the challenges of the 21^st century.

The leader of ECCAS delegation Chantal Therese Mfoula stated that they were at the Commission to hold strategic meetings and explore ways of cooperation with ECOWAS in furtherance of co-prosperity and a more secure West and Central African region.

Various meetings dates have been proposed which would help ECOWAS and the partners in advancing the cause of joint action on identified areas of cooperation.

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