Ouagadougou: The Prime Ministers of Burkina Faso and Senegal co-chaired an important working session this Saturday, May 17, 2025, during which the two parties discussed issues of common interest. Accompanied by several members of their respective governments, the two heads of government discussed diplomacy, defense, culture and sport, the economy, energy, and regional integration.
According to Burkina Information Agency, in his opening speech, Burkinabe Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ou©draogo welcomed the fraternal presence of the Senegalese delegation and emphasized the clear desire of the highest authorities of both states to solidify and expand the historic cooperation between the two countries. “The salvation of our countries can only come from our unity, our solidarity, and our fraternity,” he affirmed, calling for concrete actions in areas of common interest. He also noted the need for African peoples to “leave the ranks of prey” by consolidating their efforts in the face of predation.
His counterpart in Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, also called for the strengthening of the cooperation which, “although solid, would benefit from being further developed.” He highlighted the weakness of economic exchanges between the two countries (estimated at around 34 billion CFA francs in 2023) and called for an intensification of efforts, particularly in the sectors of energy, agriculture, defense, etc.
“The momentum generated in Burkina Faso and Senegal must be strengthened through collaboration and the exchange of experiences and information,” he said. He also emphasized the priority given to African integration in Senegalese foreign policy, as evidenced by the creation of a dedicated ministry.
In the final communiqu© of the working session, the two parties welcomed the convergence of views between their excellencies Captain Ibrahim Traor©, President of Faso, and Mr. Bassiorou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, on respect for the sovereignty of States and control of their destiny without foreign interference.
The head of the Senegalese delegation reiterated Senegal’s support and solidarity with Burkina Faso in its brave fight against terrorism. He paid tribute to the Burkinabe fighting forces who fell on the field of honor and praised the resilience of the Burkinabe people.
Both sides hailed the historic bonds of friendship between the two peoples and called for pooled efforts to address security challenges, including terrorism, arms trafficking, and cross-border crime. They also reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the sovereignty of states and controlling their own destinies without external interference.
Appreciating the current level of cooperation, the two parties instructed their Ministers of Foreign Affairs to take the necessary steps to hold, as soon as possible, the 6th session of the Major Joint Cooperation Commission between Burkina Faso and the Republic of Senegal.
Before taking his leave, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko invited his Burkinabe counterpart to pay a friendly and working visit to the Republic of Senegal. This fraternal invitation was welcomed by the Burkinabe Head of Government.
As a reminder, the Senegalese delegation led by the Prime Minister is visiting Burkina Faso at the invitation of the Burkinabe Prime Minister, Rimtaba Jean Emmanuel Ou©draogo, as part of the strengthening of cooperation between Burkina Faso and the Republic of Senegal. The Senegalese delegation also took part, on the evening of May 17, 2025, in the inauguration ceremony of the mausoleum dedicated to President Thomas Sankara and his twelve companions assassinated on October 15, 1987.