Ouagadougou: Burkina Faso and the Kingdom of Belgium reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a 'more strategic, responsible, and results-oriented' cooperation this Thursday in Ouagadougou, during the annual session of the Joint Consultation Committee between the two countries.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hermann Yirigouin Toe, stated that this meeting constitutes 'a steering tool' and a privileged framework for mutual accountability. 'It is about concretely evaluating the actions undertaken, identifying priorities, and defining clear guidelines to strengthen the impact of interventions for the benefit of the population,' he added.
The Burkinabe official emphasized the new national dynamic marked by sovereignty and the rebuilding of the state, calling on partners to align themselves with the country's priorities and produce visible and lasting results. On his part, Bart Pennewaert, Deputy Director-General for Development Cooperation at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the "solid and long-standing" cooperation. "Belgium is present where the needs are most acute, particularly in villages, health centers, and schools. The results are visible in terms of access to basic services," he stated.
Following field visits, Pennewaert expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, particularly in agriculture where yields have increased significantly thanks to land development and irrigation. He also announced the prospect of a new bilateral cooperation program starting in 2027, despite an international context marked by budgetary constraints.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to continuing the dialogue in order to consolidate a partnership based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a tangible impact on people's living conditions. This session provided an opportunity to review the portfolio's progress, analyze climate challenges in the Sahel, and share the guidelines for Burkina Faso's future 2026-2030 Recovery Plan.