ECOWAS

JOINT COMMUNIQUE 1. The twenty-third Political Dialogue Meeting at Ministerial Level between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the.

Both sides acknowledged the importance of fostering regional action in the EU and ECOWAS building respectively on the EU’s 2021 commitment “Fit for 55” by 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990), and on the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy (RCS) and Action plan (2022-2030) to support the Member States in overcoming the challenge of the fight against climate change. In this regard, both sides recognised the important role of regional organisations, and their involvement in the process of design, steering and where relevant in the implementation of actions agreed for the West African region. Both sides reiterated their commitment to support the ongoing continental negotiations and the implementation of the provisions of the Agreement. Both sides welcomed the adoption of the multi-annual Action Plans (2021 and 2022) as an important step in the EU’s commitment on delivering on the implementation of NDICI and on the priorities of the Africa Investment Package. On the promotion of peace in the region, both sides acknowledged the important contribution of the ECOMIG Mission in The Gambia and Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea Bissau. Both sides agreed to boost public and private investment in support for large-scale sustainable investments in West Africa, supported by Team Europe Initiatives, under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, as outlined in the 2022 EU-AU Summit, and in line with the priorities and needs of ECOWAS countries. Both sides called for the diligent implementation of the SSR in The Gambia. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional and international peace and security, as well as to the deepening of the regional integration process in West Africa. Both sides reaffirmed their respect and their commitment to the principles of international law of the sea and welcomed the engagement of the EU through its Coordinated Maritime Presence initiative and called for sharing of relevant information. Both sides reaffirmed their respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and their commitment to the relevant principles of International Law, including international humanitarian Law, and the UN Charter. Both sides expressed confidence that the recommendations of the work of the “High-level independent panel on security and development” in the Sahel led by former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou will contribute to solutions to insecurity in the region. Both sides called for the return to constitutional order in Mali (March 2024), Burkina Faso (July 2024) and Guinea (December 2024) in line with the different agreements reached with ECOWAS.