Dean of the representatives of inter-African organizations accredited in Burkina Faso, Dr Ahmed Elmekass, Coordinator of the African Union SAFGRAD, on behalf of his peers, has presented his New Year’s greetings to the President of Burkina Faso, HE Marc Christian KABORE.
The ceremony took place on 08 January 2019 at the presidential palace. Apart from inter-African institutions, the ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, led by HE Farhat Bouazza, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as representatives of international institutions under the leadership of HE Ms. Metsi Makhetha, the resident coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso.
First to intervene, Dr. Ahmed Elmekass, after the usual greetings and protocol, requested to observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of terrorism in the country. Subsequently, the head of the AU SAFGARD, welcomed the government efforts to overcome the terrorist crisis. In particular, he noted the significant increase in the resources allocated to the defense and security sector, as well as the state of emergency imposed in certain provinces of the country. He assured the Burkinabe Head of State of the unwavering support of the inter-African institutions for the “Land of the upright men” in his struggle for peace and sustainable development.
Finally, Dr. Elmekass has highlighted some strong achievements of the African Union during the past year especially in the agricultural field before concluding wishes for a happy new year 2019 for the President of Burkina Faso, members of the government and all the people of Burkina Faso.
Joining the Coordinator of the AU SAFGRAD, the Coordinator of the United Nations system and the Moroccan ambassador, have for their respective shares asked the President of Burkina Faso not to give up and continue working to overcome the terrorist crisis and consolidate the bonds of solidarity among the people of Burkina Faso. Finally, they expressed the wishes of peace and health to the people of Burkina Faso and their leaders.
In response to the wishes of all three constituencies of the accredited diplomatic corps in Burkina Faso, the President of Burkina Faso, after having thanked them for their continued support, has, in turn, expressed his best wishes for a happy new year in 2019. He also called for respect for the commitments made by the international community to developing countries. He particularly reiterated his commitment to fight against terrorism, including alongside Burkina Faso’s neighbors.
The direct greetings to the President of Burkina Faso as well as the photos of groups ended the ceremony which is an important moment in the diplomatic calendar in Burkina Faso.
Group picture after the ceremony
