Germany discusses partnership with ECOWAS

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 20, 2023/APO Group/ — The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) received a delegation from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on a courtesy visit on the 17th of July 2023 to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation.

The areas of collaboration discussed during the meeting, which was held at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, include Organizational Development, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Election Observation Missions, the Regional Stabilization Fund as well as other areas of existing and future cooperation.

Discussions also involved issues relating to support the ECOWAS Early Warning Mechanism, women’s inclusion in peace processes as well as support to the Medical Component of ECOWAS Stabilisation Missions.

The Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Madam Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, in her welcome address, gave an overview of the existing cooperation between ECOWAS and the Federal Republic of Germany and GIZ. She stated that the relationship between the Federal Republic of Germany, GIZ and ECOWAS has been fruitful over the years and likened it to a “friendship”. She highlighted that the collaboration is considered highly valuable by all stakeholders.

Ms Susanne Schröder, the First Secretary and Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Abuja, in her response, shared that the German government is as pleased as ECOWAS with the cooperation and assured the Commission that GIZ will strive to ensure that the collaboration continues to make good progress.

Ms Schröder led the German delegation, which included Ms Bernadette Schulz, Economist and Senior Consultant.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).