The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took a significant step toward reinforcing international partnerships on Monday as four newly appointed ambassadors formally presented their letters of credence to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, at a diplomatic ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The newly accredited envoys include:
H.E. Andrey Podelyshev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation
H.E. Pasquale Salvaggio, High Commissioner of Canada
H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines
H.E. Patrick Egloff, Ambassador of Switzerland
Receiving the envoys, Dr. Touray described the event as a demonstration of ECOWAS’s readiness to expand its global outreach and deepen cooperation on areas that promote shared prosperity and sustainable development.
“Our region’s prosperity depends on partnerships that deliver real results,” he said.
“ECOWAS is committed to peace, economic integration, and regional stability—our partners are central to achieving this.”
Following the formal presentation, President Touray held bilateral meetings with each ambassador, where discussions centered on ECOWAS’s four strategic pillars:
Peace and Security
Economic Integration
Good Governance
Shared Prosperity
Key areas of cooperation discussed include renewable energy, climate financing, digital innovation, maritime development, vocational training, and infrastructure support.
Highlights of Ambassadorial Priorities
Country Ambassador Focus Areas
Russia Andrey Podelyshev Energy & mining partnerships
Canada Pasquale Salvaggio Climate resilience & women’s empowerment
Philippines Mersole J. Mellejor Port development & agri-business
Switzerland Patrick Egloff Peacebuilding & fintech innovation
The ceremony aligns with the Commission’s ongoing implementation of its Vision 2050, a strategic blueprint aimed at transforming West Africa into a region of inclusive growth, development, and unity.
ECOWAS is actively seeking global partnerships that support regional priorities, especially in the face of contemporary challenges such as insecurity in the Sahel, economic recovery from COVID-19, and youth unemployment.
Dr. Touray noted that the Commission will engage with each country through its respective diplomatic missions to develop actionable frameworks that can translate discussions into tangible projects.
“Our citizens will judge us not by ceremonies, but by outcomes. We are ready to deliver,” he emphasized.
