Ouagadougou:The Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, and Peter-Dereck Hof, Director of Social Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, held discussions on Wednesday regarding the enhancement of development cooperation between Burkina Faso and the Netherlands. The talks focused on aligning Dutch interventions with Burkina Faso's national priorities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Peter-Dereck Hof's visit to Burkina Faso was his first, aimed at better understanding the country's national context, forming his own opinion on its current management, and exploring prospects for bilateral development cooperation.

Hof, who was accompanied by Dr. Margret Verwijik, the charge d'affaires of the Dutch embassy, stated that the visit was also intended to listen to Burkinabe authorities about their national priorities to better direct Dutch support.

During the meeting, Minister Traore, alongside Deputy Minister Bebgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabre/Kabore, briefed Hof on the circumstances in Burkina Faso prior to the current regime, detailing reforms and achievements in sectors such as security, humanitarian aid, health, education, and infrastructure.

Minister Traore emphasized Burkina Faso's approach to foreign policy, highlighting sovereignty and diverse partnerships. He asserted that the country now defines its development programs and their evaluation mechanisms, inviting partners to align with its priorities.

The minister expressed the importance of strengthening development cooperation through dialogue and acknowledged the Netherlands' dedication to this partnership.

Hof's visit included a tour of a fish farming project at the Ziga dam, supported by a Dutch NGO, which aims to empower women economically. The cooperation between the two countries spans over sixty years, focusing on health, agriculture, water management, education, youth entrepreneurship, and women's economic empowerment.