Abuja, 24 August 2017. Mahamane Maiga, the Malian Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, has lauded the excellent relationship between his country and the regional organisation.

This sentiment was expressed on Wednesday, 23 August 2017 during his farewell visit to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel de Souza.

Mahamane Maiga, whose mission to Nigeria has ended following over 7 years of service as the Ambassador of Mali to Nigeria and ECOWAS, expressed his profound gratitude to President de Souza for his numerous actions and efforts in the quest for solutions to the Malian crisis.

He also commended the successful collaboration between him and Mr de Souza since the latter took over the reins of the ECOWAS Commission.

Marcel de Souza, on his part, congratulated Mr Maiga on his appointment as the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in Mali.

“It is a prestigious position and I wish you much strength and success in your new role”, stated the President of the Commission.

He reassured the Malian diplomat of the willingness and determination of the West African organisation to continue efforts to resolve the crisis in Mali.

Also present in the office of the ECOWAS President was B. N. Reddy, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Nothing else has been disclosed of the discussion between Marcel de Souza and his guest.