Abuja: The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, recently welcomed Prof. Wautabouna Ouattara, the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the West Africa region, during a courtesy visit. This meeting marked Prof. Ouattara’s first audience with President Touray since his appointment.

According to African Press Organization, President Touray expressed his support for Prof. Ouattara’s mandate and highlighted the importance of the IMF’s contribution to developing a West African regional market. He emphasized the need for programs that would aid in regional stability and integration, leveraging the IMF’s resources and expertise.

Prof. Ouattara acknowledged the leadership role of ECOWAS in conflict resolution and economic integration within the region. He committed to strengthening collaboration with ECOWAS and the 14 countries he oversees, focusing on addressing public debt, budget deficits, and economic growth challenges.