WAES outcomes ‘ll aid actualization of ECOWAS integration agenda – Tuggar

Nigerian Foreign Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has said that conclusions reached during the just concluded West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) would contribute to the actualization of regional integration agenda of Economic Commission of West Africa State (ECOWAS).

Amb. Tuggar who made this known while declaring the summit closed in Abuja Friday said the dedication of participants to their shared vision and core principles of regional cooperation had been truly commendable and deeply inspiring.

According to Tuggar, “As we conclude this Session, I wish to convey my profound gratitude for your commitment and invaluable perspectives and your contributions to our deliberations over the past two days.

“Your dedication to our shared vision and core principles of regional cooperation has been truly commendable and deeply inspiring.

“Our discussions have clearly demonstrated a collective resolve to address the pressing challenges confronting our region, challenges that bear direct impact on the wellbeing of our citizens and long-term prosperity of our Member States.

“Excellencies, the conclusions reached during this meeting will no doubt contribute to the actualization of the regional integration agenda of ECOWAS.

“It remains essential that we encourage our respective Governments to faithfully implement the decisions we have adopted and to actively support the recommendations emerging from our discussions, of course pending the approval of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on matters that require such. “Through our continued collaboration and shared commitment, we have set a clear and promising course towards a more unified and prosperous region.

“Two renowned scholars of trade in Africa described the continent’s Regional Economic Communities as the uncelebrated heroes of the effort to establish and utilize common arrangements for cross border trade and related regional initiatives”. That being the case, I make bold to assert ECOWAS is the first among equals.

“Let me sincerely appreciate each one of you for your cooperation and support to me over the last two years, as the Chair of this Council. As the agenda of the Summit we endorsed indicated the election of a new Chair of Authority, this may be my last Council Session as the Chair of this Council.

“Over the last two years l enjoyed very cordial working relationship with each one of you. I remain very grateful for your unalloyed support for the successes we recorded this far. I hope the same cooperation will be extended to whomever among us is taking over the leadership of this Council” he said.