The President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), General Birame Diop, received a Russian delegation led by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation’s Embassy in Nigeria, Igor Ivannikov, on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja, the Commission announced.
The meeting is part of efforts to strengthen ECOWAS strategic partnerships aimed at fostering peace, stability, and development in the West African region.
During the meeting, Igor Ivannikov conveyed a congratulatory message to Birame Diop from the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, marking his assumption of office as head of the ECOWAS Commission for a four-year term.
The Russian diplomat also presented the Commission President with an official invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 2026 in Moscow.
Birame Diop expressed his gratitude for the congratulatory message and the invitation, highlighting the importance ECOWAS places on bilateral partnerships capable of yielding tangible benefits for the region and its people.
The meeting takes place as ECOWAS seeks to diversify and strengthen its international partnerships in the areas of peace, security and development.
AC/Sf/fss/gik/APA