Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has praised Côte d’Ivoire’s role in helping consolidate peace in his country, during an official visit to Abidjan as part of his subregional tour.
Speaking after a meeting with President Alassane Ouattara at the Cocody Riviera-Golf presidential residence, Maada Bio said Sierra Leone’s stability owes much to the decisive initiatives of neighbouring nations like Côte d’Ivoire.
The visit forms part of his first diplomatic engagements since assuming the presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with a focus on strengthening unity within the bloc.
The two leaders discussed regional cohesion, security, and economic challenges facing West Africa, with Maada Bio stressing that member states that have withdrawn from ECOWAS should still be considered part of the community’s shared vision.
He also commended Côte d’Ivoire’s economic progress, attributing it to President Ouattara’s leadership.
Maada Bio noted that his ongoing tour of the region is aimed at gathering insights from fellow West African leaders to help shape his mandate as ECOWAS chair.
