Ouagadougou – Burkina Faso’s active participation in international cooperation and its recognition of national sports achievements have been highlighted in the country’s newspapers today.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, represented Burkina Faso at the first Saudi Arabia-Africa summit held on November 10, 2023, in Riyadh. The summit aimed to foster closer ties between Saudi Arabia and African nations. Dr. Bougouma led a delegation that included ministers in charge of foreign affairs, the economy, humanitarian action, and the secretary general of the government. During the summit, Dr. Bougouma engaged in discussions with Eritrea’s President Isias Afwerki and the head of government of Niger, Ali Mahaman Zeine. He also delivered a message from Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the President of the Transition and Head of State of Burkina Faso, to the Saudi sovereign.
In another instance of international cooperation, the private daily Le Pays reported on Russia’s support for Burkina Faso in combating dengue fever. A Russian delegation, led by General Azarov, visited the National Reference Laboratory for viral hemorrhagic fevers at the Muraz Center in Bobo-Dioulasso on November 12, 2023. Accompanied by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Dr. Robert Kargougou, the visit aimed to assess the country’s needs to provide targeted support.
Sidwaya also featured the recognition of Iron Biby, the world log lift champion, by Burkina Faso’s government. Iron Biby was honored as an officer of the Order of the Stallion in a ceremony on November 13, 2023, with President Traoré. The champion expressed gratitude for the encouragement and recognition received from the President and noted that his achievement brought honor to the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) globally.
These stories collectively illustrate Burkina Faso’s engagement in international relations and its commitment to acknowledging the accomplishments of its citizens on the world stage.