EU Ambassadors in West Africa hold regional seminar in Abuja

EU Ambassadors in West Africa met in Abuja for a regional seminar from 19-21 June 2024. The event brought together top EU diplomats accredited to Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and colleagues from EEAS and DG INTPA, led by the Head of West Africa Division, Mr Richard Young. Also in attendance were Ms Maria Pilar Palmero Vaquero (DG INTPA) and Mr Nicola Bellomo (EEAS AFRICA.1).

The Ambassadors shared perspectives of the EU's engagement in West Africa, with particular focus on political engagement in the region, strategic communication and cooperation as a tool reflecting our political interests. They also discussed peace and security engagements as a necessary response to the changing geopolitical dynamics.

EU Ambassadors in West Africa met in Abuja for a regional seminar from 19-21 June 2024. The event brought together top EU diplomats accredited to Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and colleagues from EEAS and DG INTPA, led by the Head of West Africa Division, Mr Richard Young. Also in attendance were Ms Maria Pilar Palmero Vaquero (DG INTPA) and Mr Nicola Bellomo (EEAS AFRICA.1).

The Ambassadors shared perspectives of the EU's engagement in West Africa, with particular focus on political engagement in the region, strategic communication and cooperation as a tool reflecting our political interests. They also discussed peace and security engagements as a necessary response to the changing geopolitical dynamics.

The host Ambassador, Ms Samuela Isopi, said the seminar held in Abuja because Nigeria is the region's political and economic powerhouse and currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government, while also hosting the ECOWAS Commission secretariat.

The Abuja visit also provided the Ambassadors an opportunity to engage with the ECOWAS and Nigerian authorities.

The Ambassadors met with the ECOWAS Commission, led by the Vice-President, Ms Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, supported by the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb Abdel Fatau Musah. They also met with the Ambassadors of ECOWAS Member States accredited to Nigeria. The meetings underlined the EU's commitment to strengthening partnership with the Community as well as the dynamic bilateral relations the EU enjoys with ECOWAS Member States. They also provided further insight into the current dynamics in the region, and opportunities to reflect further on the future of the EU's engagement.

EU Del

Expectedly, the Ambassadors met with EU HoMs in Abuja and key officials of the Nigerian Government, including the Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, the Director General for the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai.

At a reception hosted by Ambassador Isopi for the seminar participants, Nigeria's Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said the Nigerian government was committed to ensuring that its relations with the EU continued to evolve by actively promoting partnership in all facets of their cooperation. He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to advancing regional cooperation in areas of rule of law, democracy, climate change, migration, amongst others to make life better for the citizenry. Nigeria's Minister of Youth Development, Ms Jamila Ibrahim, also attended the reception.

EU Del