Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his first official visit to neighboring Ghana on Friday, meeting with his counterpart Nana Akufo-Addo to discuss bolstering relations between the two West African nations.
President Faye, who took office earlier this year, was welcomed by Akufo-Addo at Jubilee House, the presidential palace in Ghana’s capital Accra. The two leaders discussed a range of issues aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
“During President Faye’s visit, we discussed strengthening our bilateral relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and exploring new avenues for collaboration in various sectors, including trade, education, and technology,” Akufo-Addo said in a statement.
He added that the two presidents, who share a “commitment to democratic values and regional stability,” also addressed matters of mutual interest in the region.
No new major agreements were announced, but the visit allowed the heads of state to reaffirm the “rich history of partnership and mutual support” binding Ghana and Senegal.
“This visit has further solidified our bonds of brotherhood and shared progress,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
Trade ties between the two countries are already robust, with bilateral trade volumes exceeding $100 million annually in recent years. However, both nations are seeking new economic opportunities and partnerships across West Africa.
Security cooperation to address instability in the Sahel region was also likely high on the agenda. As democratic nations, Ghana and Senegal have positioned themselves as anchors of stability in a troubled neighborhood.
On the second day of his visit Saturday, President Faye is scheduled to meet with Ghanaian business leaders and tour investment sites as the two nations look to expand commercial links.
The Senegalese leader’s trip comes just weeks before a major summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra, where he and Akufo-Addo will look to showcase their nations’ partnership on the regional stage.
