Abuja: Salem Saeed AlShamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has officially presented his credentials to Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking his appointment as the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the organization.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting following the credentials ceremony involved discussions on strengthening cooperation between the UAE and ECOWAS in areas of mutual interest. The discussions also explored opportunities for expanding partnerships with West African countries to support sustainable development, stability, and prosperity in the region.
During the credentials ceremony, Ambassador AlShamsi conveyed greetings from His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Dr. Touray, along with wishes for continued progress and prosperity for ECOWAS and its Member States.
Ambassador AlShamsi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with ECOWAS and its Member States, highlighting the growing ties between the UAE and African countries. He emphasized the UAE’s interest in expanding economic, investment, and development cooperation to serve mutual interests and support sustainable development.
AlShamsi pointed out that the UAE’s accreditation as a Permanent Representative to ECOWAS reflects its commitment to strengthening cooperation with African regional organizations and deepening partnerships with West African nations across various strategic sectors, contributing to regional development and prosperity.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray welcomed Ambassador AlShamsi and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s distinguished regional and international standing. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between ECOWAS and the UAE in areas of mutual interest.
Dr. Touray also praised the UAE’s development experience and achievements in economy, infrastructure, energy, technology, and innovation. He expressed ECOWAS’ eagerness to benefit from the UAE’s expertise and to strengthen partnerships that advance development and prosperity in West Africa.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission asked Ambassador AlShamsi to convey his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and extended his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE, its leadership, government, and people. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and partnership with the UAE in the future.
At the meeting’s conclusion, Ambassador AlShamsi expressed the UAE’s aspiration to deepen cooperation with ECOWAS and its Member States to strengthen partnerships, advance mutual interests, and support stability and development across West Africa.