He emphasised that “Africa is our priority.”ECOWAS and Tunisia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations and expanding areas of cooperation.
The renewed pledge came during a meeting at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, where President of the Economic Community of West African States, General Birame Diop, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Nigeria, Mohsen Antit, on a courtesy call.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and explore new avenues for regional development, stability, and sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Welcoming Ambassador Antit, President Diop expressed appreciation for Tunisia’s interest in deepening its engagement with ECOWAS, emphasisng that “stronger cooperation between ECOWAS and Tunisia could contribute significantly to shared objectives in areas including economic development, technological advancement, security, and regional integration.”
Ambassador Antit reaffirmed Tunisia’s commitment to strengthening its relations with ECOWAS and highlighted the country’s readiness to explore practical initiatives capable of translating shared aspirations into concrete programs and partnerships.
Discussions focused on significant opportunities for enhanced cooperation in digitalisation, technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and the development of knowledge-based economies.
Both sides recognised that fostering partnerships in these areas could improve public services, boost economic competitiveness, and create new opportunities for young people, innovators, and entrepreneurs across the region.
The meeting also addressed pressing regional challenges such as youth migration, human trafficking, and the illicit trafficking of drugs and other substances, including concerns over Tunisia’s use as a transit route to Europe.
They stressed the importance of stronger cooperation, information-sharing, and coordinated action to effectively address these issues.
On security, the two sides underscored the need for increased collaboration to tackle emerging threats and bolster regional resilience. They expressed interest in greater information exchange and the sharing of experiences and expertise to support peace, stability, and collective security.
Discussions on sustainable development highlighted the importance of partnerships that promote inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods. Potential areas for future cooperation included climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and innovative development approaches.
The importance of infrastructure development was also recognized, with both sides acknowledging that strategic investments in transport, energy, and digital connectivity are critical enablers of regional integration, trade, and economic transformation. Greater cooperation and investment in these sectors were identified as promising avenues for collaboration.
Furthermore, the meeting emphasised the value of strengthening people-to-people relations, institutional partnerships, and the exchange of expertise through technical cooperation, capacity-building, and the sharing of best practices.
Concluding the discussions, both sides committed to maintaining regular dialogue and identifying practical steps to enhance cooperation. Their shared aim is to build a stronger, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking partnership between ECOWAS and the Republic of Tunisia
