Ouagadougou:Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore welcomed visitors to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs booth on Sunday during the 2026 National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Civic Participation (JEPPC). He discussed Burkina Faso's diplomatic missions and the country's integration within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

According to Burkina Information Agency, Traore outlined the guidelines of Burkinabe diplomacy, focusing on strengthening national sovereignty, diversifying partnerships, African integration, and promoting a multipolar international order.

He highlighted the importance of engaging the diaspora in Burkina Faso's development by establishing trust through transparent fund management and recognizing their skills. Traore noted sectors like agriculture where the diaspora's expertise could be beneficial and mentioned their role in initiatives such as the Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship (APEC).

The minister presented a system for monitoring diplomatic and consular missions, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with other departments, such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to aid national development. He acknowledged that the benefits of diplomatic actions might not be immediately visible or may appear in different areas than where the actions were initiated.

During discussions, participant Yanogo Larba raised concerns about integration issues between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, especially at borders. Traore admitted ongoing challenges, including border harassment, and assured that efforts are being made to address these issues.

Questions were also raised about Russian visa procedures, particularly the necessity to travel to Abidjan. Traore explained that adjustments are underway following the recent opening of the Russian embassy in Burkina Faso.

The ministry's involvement in the JEPPC provided a platform to promote its missions and engage in meaningful dialogue with citizens on diplomacy's role in Burkina Faso's development.