Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire deepen bilateral co-operation

Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire have agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation in security, trade and political affairs following talks between their Presidents in Abidjan, reports CGTN. Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya met his counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, on Sunday after arriving in Cote d'Ivoire's capital on Friday. Doumbouya called for stronger intelligence co-operation to address growing regional security threats, including cross-border crime and terrorism. ‘Like you, I am convinced that there can be no development without peace and stability,’ Doumbouya said. He said Guinea was ready to work more closely with Cote d'Ivoire on intelligence sharing and joint efforts to combat cross-border criminal networks and terrorism. According to a statement from Ouattara's office, Doumbouya also called for intensified efforts to tackle illegal gold mining, describing the issue as a strategic priority. The discussions come as West African countries face persistent security challenges and efforts to strengthen regional economic integration.