Guinea Bissau's President H.E. Jose Mario Vaz has expressed profound gratitude to ECOWAS for the immense support that has brought peace, security and political stability to his country after the recent security and political crises including the military takeover of government in April 2012.
"We are very happy with the progress achieved through what ECOWAS has done and continues to do for us, especially the deployment of ECOMIB (ECOWAS Military Mission in Guinea Bissau) and support for the DSSRP (Defence and Security Sector Reform Progamme)," the Guinea Bissau leader told the President of the ECOWAS Commission H.E. Kadré Desire Ouédraogo, whom he received in audience at the Presidency in Bissau on Thursday 22nd January 2015.
He said the ECOWAS support as demonstration of strong commitment of regional leaders and the quality leadership of the ECOWAS Commission, has paved the way for the country to now concentrate on economic development issues including youth employment.
President Vaz, who also expressed appreciation to Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan for supporting his country in time of need, appealed for more international support, especially to help mop up weapons that could find their way into the wrong hands in the country.
He expressed the optimism that the region will overcome the terrorist insurgency around Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, as well as the difficult times of major elections in ECOWAS Member States this year.
In his response, President Ouédraogo said ECOWAS is proud to hold up Guinea Bissau to development partners as "a success of partnership."
He reiterated ECOWAS' commitment and solidarity with Guinea Bissau, adding that the Organization will continue to mobilize international support behind the country until sustainable peace, security and stability is achieved.
The presidential courtesy call was part of the ECOWAS chief's programme during his visit to Bissau to hand over to the Government some military infrastructure/assets, including four army barracks refurbished under the country's Defence and Security Sector Reform Programme (DSSRP) supported by the regional organization at the cost of more than 63 million US dollars.
President Ouédraogo, accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff of ECOWAS Standby Force Col. Seidou Maiga Morou, officials of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security and Communication Directorates, was received on arrival at the Bissau International Airport by Defence Minister Dr. (Mrs.) Cadi Seidi, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Biague Na Ntan and the ECOMIB Commander Col. Gnibango Barro, among others.
He also inspected separate Honour Guards mounted by Guinea Bissau's Armed Forces and the ECOMIB personnel and also held talks with AU, EU and UN officials.
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