ECOWAS, China seek deeper ties in security, agriculture and infrastructure 

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, has held talks with China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, on strengthening cooperation in regional integration, peace, security and sustainable development.

The meeting, according to a news release shared by the regional bloc, took place at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja on Monday, October 12.

Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening relations between China and ECOWAS, with an emphasis on mutually beneficial partnerships and initiatives that deliver tangible results for the West African region.

Ambassador Dunhai reiterated China’s commitment to ECOWAS and its member states, stressing the importance of cooperation based on mutual respect and dignity.

He also highlighted the priority China attaches to its relations with the regional bloc, saying the partnership should produce practical benefits for the people of West Africa.

General Diop, in his remarks, described China as a reliable partner of Africa and commended its longstanding engagement with the continent.

He also welcomed China’s approach to cooperation, which he said respected the sovereignty and political choices of partner countries.

Looking ahead, the ECOWAS Commission President called for expanded collaboration in education, infrastructure, security, digitalisation and agriculture.

He stressed the need for practical and achievable initiatives with measurable outcomes that improve citizens’ lives and support ECOWAS in fulfilling its regional mandate.