The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have held an introductory meeting in Dakar, Senegal, to lay the foundation for future cooperation.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Senegal’s Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Mr. Cheikh Niang, and the Chair of the AES Ministerial Steering Committee and Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore.
In a joint communique issued after the meeting, both parties said they welcomed the spirit of fraternity, mutual respect and openness that prevailed throughout the discussions, recalling the deep historical, socio-cultural and economic ties that unite their peoples.
The parties agreed that future relations should be guided by principles of good neighbourliness, respect for sovereignty, dignity and the well-being of West African populations.
According to the communique, the talks build on consultations held on May 22, 2025, in Bamako, Mali, where both sides exchanged views on areas of common interest.
The two sides affirmed their willingness to achieve a cooperation framework that is “balanced, realistic and preserves the interest of their people”.
They also agreed on the need to establish joint thematic working groups to undertake technical consultations aimed at developing a cooperation framework agreement between ECOWAS and the AES confederation. The outcome of the groups’ work will be submitted to ministers for consideration before their next session.
The date and venue of the next meeting will be determined through diplomatic channels.
Both parties expressed gratitude to Senegalese President and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the government and people of Senegal for their hospitality and commitment to integration in West Africa.
