The Burkina Faso government has called for greater collaboration between it and the Federal Republic of Nigeria to convert the longstanding friendship between the two countries into greater economic and social benefits for their peoples.
Burkinabe Foreign Affairs Minister Karamoko Traoré made the call in a speech delivered on his behalf at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration in Ouagadougou.
Traoré, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hermann Yirigouin, said relations between both countries had gone beyond official diplomacy to deep people-to-people connections spanning families, businesses, universities and communities.
“Between Burkina Faso and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, brotherhood is a reality experienced daily by our people,” he said.
He, however, said both governments must now convert that longstanding friendship into greater economic and social benefits for their peoples.
“Our responsibility now is to transform this brotherhood into concrete results,” Traoré said.
“Friendship between states reaches its full potential when it supports production, facilitates trade, opens up opportunities for young people and sustainably improves living conditions.”
Emphasising the need for deeper economic, security and development cooperation between both countries, the minister described Nigeria as a strategic economic partner whose strengths could complement Burkina Faso’s development aspirations.
“Nigeria remains a natural partner for Burkina Faso and a major player on our continent. Our economies are complementary and it is up to us to translate this complementarity into transformative projects.”
Traoré said changes in regional institutional arrangements should not weaken the longstanding bonds among African peoples.
“Our institutional frameworks may evolve; the brotherhood among our peoples, however, endures,” he said.
He said Burkina Faso remained ready to work with Nigeria through frank dialogue that respected the sovereignty and legitimate interests of both nations.
Traoré also welcomed a recent high-level meeting between ministers responsible for digital affairs in both countries.
The Burkinabè minister particularly called for the fourth session of the Nigeria-Burkina Faso Joint Cooperation Commission to be convened “as soon as possible.”
“The next session should enable us assess our progress, update our priorities, agree on an implementation timeline and ensure rigorous follow-up on commitments made,” he said.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, similarly called for a new phase of practical cooperation between the two West African countries.
Endoni said Nigeria remained committed to African solidarity, peaceful coexistence, regional integration, respect for sovereignty and peaceful settlement of disputes.
He said Nigeria and Burkina Faso established diplomatic relations in 1972, with ties sustained by shared history, cultural affinities and common aspirations.
“I reaffirm Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to strengthening this historic relationship,” Endoni said, pledging to help translate the longstanding friendship into “deeper, practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The ambassador said security cooperation had become particularly important because threats confronting both countries increasingly transcended national borders.
He listed terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, cybercrime and other transnational organised crimes.
“We must strengthen our security and defence partnership through intelligence sharing, border cooperation, capacity building, joint training and professional exchanges,” the ambassador said.
“Nigeria will continue to work with Burkina Faso to promote safer borders, stronger economies, food and energy security, human development and protection of our citizens,” he stressed.
Endoni pledged that the Nigerian Embassy would continue protecting the legitimate interests of Nigerians resident in Burkina Faso, urging Nigerians to remain law-abiding and contribute positively.
“Our countries may have different national circumstances and policy approaches, but we share a common interest in peace, prosperity and a secure West Africa,” he said.
He called for “a new chapter” encompassing stronger security and defence cooperation, expanded trade and investment and a broader bilateral partnership.
“Nigeria stands ready to engage Burkina Faso in a spirit of friendship, equality, mutual respect and shared responsibility,” Endoni said.
The event drew large segments of Nigerian Community in Burkina Faso, high government’s officials, heads of diplomatic missions, UN agencies and the business community, among others.