Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and cross-border crime during a meeting between Interior Minister Vagondo Diomandé and EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Bartjan Wegter in Abidjan on Wednesday, October 14.

The talks focused on shared security challenges and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Abidjan and Brussels, according to reports from Ivorian state broadcaster RTI.

Wegter was accompanied by a delegation that included European officials and advisers specialising in counterterrorism and civil security. He praised the Ivorian government’s efforts to combat terrorism and cross-border crime, while stressing the importance of partnership and consultation in addressing these threats.

The meeting comes as West African countries seek to strengthen regional responses to terrorism and other cross-border security threats. On October 13, Wegter also met Benin’s Minister Delegate for National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, in Cotonou. Discussions focused on security challenges in Benin and the wider region, as well as prospects for closer cooperation with the European Union.

The EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the bloc’s counterterrorism policies and improving cooperation between EU institutions, member states and partner countries. Wegter, a Dutch diplomat, took office in March 2024 for a five-year term.

The Ivorian and European sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen security cooperation and explore further partnership opportunities. No specific new agreement, funding package or operational measure was announced following the meeting.