Ouagadougou: Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo granted an audience on Thursday, January 15, 2026, to the new United Kingdom Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Angus McKee. This introductory meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening a partnership based on pragmatism, mutual respect, and sovereignty.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the United Kingdom emphasized its renewed commitment to supporting Burkina Faso, particularly in the areas of health and education. The Prime Minister congratulated Ambassador McKee on his appointment and welcomed him to Burkina Faso. He commended the United Kingdom's willingness to strengthen its relations with Burkina Faso, while reiterating the Government's strategic priorities. The Prime Minister assured that the government is focused on diversifying partners in full sovereignty, emphasizing that any cooperation that suggests domination will be denounced and terminated.

He expressed satisfaction at seeing the United Kingdom reaffirm its commitment to the Burkinabe people, aligning with national aspirations for resilience, security, and endogenous development. Ambassador McKee, in turn, expressed his honor at the audience and appreciated the clarity of the Prime Minister's message. He reiterated his country's readiness to build a "win-win" partnership with Burkina Faso. This first meeting marks a new stage in bilateral relations between the two countries and opens promising prospects for closer ties, based on mutual respect and effectiveness in action.