New york: Burkinabe Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo reaffirmed Monday in New York his country’s desire to strengthen “operationally” its ties with Equatorial Guinea, after an audience with Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President for Defense and Security, Mangue Teodoro Nguema Obiang.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkinabe Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo received in audience in New York the Equatorial Guinean Vice President for Defence and Security, Mangue Teodoro Nguema Obiang. Burkinabe Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore reported that the Prime Minister welcomed the momentum that characterizes relations between the two countries and insisted on translating political friendship into concrete projects.
“We must go beyond declarations and ensure that cooperation has operational content,” the Prime Minister said, as noted by Mr. Traore, referring to the rapid holding of bilateral consultations and joint commissions to identify and launch joint projects. The delegations reviewed possible areas of support, with Burkina Faso highlighting its expertise in several sectors and proposing economic days to promote trade and public-private partnerships, which was appreciated by the Equatorial Guinean side.
The head of government also highlighted the place and contribution of the strong Burkinabe community in Equatorial Guinea, welcoming the working climate which allows his compatriots to flourish. The Equatorial Guinean Vice President expressed keen interest in the Burkinabe endogenous development model and presidential initiatives, which he considers inspiring.
Minister Traore indicated that Equatorial Guinea is considering a friendship and working visit to Burkina Faso to observe certain practices “in situ” and study avenues for operational cooperation. The two foreign ministers have been given a mandate to prepare for these meetings in the coming days, according to the Prime Minister’s office.
On the eve of the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance for Burkina Faso of making its voice heard, of “destroying cliches” and of participating in the redefinition of multilateral balances. The Burkinabe government hopes that these discussions in New York will give rise to numerous projects in perspective, strengthening cooperation aimed at development and regional stability.
Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo mentioned priority projects in security, training of forces, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, specifying that Burkinabe expertise could be mobilized quickly for joint pilot projects in the coming months.