The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Hidayet Bayraktar, paid a farewell visit to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The visit marked the conclusion of Ambassador Bayraktar’s diplomatic mission to Nigeria and provided an opportunity to reflect on the strong cooperation between Turkey and ECOWAS. During the meeting, he extended an invitation to Dr. Touray to participate in an upcoming event in Antalya, Turkey, later this year.
Ambassador Bayraktar commended the longstanding partnership between Turkey and ECOWAS and expressed his gratitude to Dr. Touray for his leadership, collaboration, and dedication to strengthening bilateral relations.
Their discussions also covered pressing regional challenges, including insecurity and terrorism in the ECOWAS region. Both leaders explored potential strategies for enhancing regional security and fostering stability.
Reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS in addressing these critical issues, Ambassador Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s role in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development in West Africa.
In response, Dr. Touray acknowledged Turkey’s contributions and lauded Ambassador Bayraktar for his dedication to regional cooperation. He highlighted various ECOWAS and United Nations initiatives aimed at combating insecurity and terrorism, stressing the importance of collective action.
“Insecurity remains one of the most significant challenges facing ECOWAS, and no member state can tackle it alone. Unity and collective collaboration are essential to preserving peace and stability in West Africa,” Dr. Touray stated.
He further encouraged Turkey to continue its support for ECOWAS in its efforts to promote peace, security, and regional integration.
“Turkey is a key partner to Africa and a valued ally of ECOWAS. Its leadership and engagement are deeply appreciated across the continent,” Dr. Touray concluded.
