Dakar:The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to establish joint thematic working groups aimed at concluding a framework cooperation agreement. This decision was made at the end of the first session of their ministerial dialogue meeting on cooperation.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the working groups will focus on technical exchanges in areas of common interest identified by both parties. Their findings will be submitted to ministers for review before the next session, with the date and location to be decided through diplomatic channels.

The meeting set out to lay the groundwork for cooperation between the two organizations. The parties expressed their intention to reach a balanced and realistic framework that protects the interests of their populations. They also agreed that their relationship should adhere to principles such as good neighborliness, respect for sovereignty, and the well-being of West African populations.

Both organizations appreciated the spirit of fraternity and openness during their discussions and reaffirmed the deep historical and socio-cultural ties between their people. This meeting followed consultations on May 22, 2025, in Bamako, Mali, where they discussed common interest areas for future dialogue.

Gratitude was extended to the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, and the Senegalese government and people for their hospitality. The AES delegation was led by Karamoko Jean-Marie Traor, while the ECOWAS delegation was headed by Cheikh Niang, with both officials co-chairing the proceedings.