Guinea and Ivory Coast have agreed to strengthen cooperation as the two West African neighbours seek closer ties on security, trade and regional challenges.
Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya held talks with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan during a visit to Ivory Coast.
The two leaders discussed deeper cooperation in several areas, including security, economic relations and politics, Africanews reported.
Guinea and Ivory Coast discuss regional security
Security was a major part of the talks.
Doumbouya called for stronger intelligence sharing between the neighbouring countries as West Africa faces cross-border security threats.
He said Guinea was prepared to work more closely with Ivory Coast on intelligence exchanges and efforts against cross-border crime and terrorism.
The discussions come as governments across West Africa seek stronger regional responses to security challenges.
Illegal gold mining also discussed
The two leaders also discussed illegal gold mining.
According to a statement from Ouattara’s office cited by Africanews, Doumbouya described tackling illegal gold production as a strategic issue.
Gold is an important source of revenue across West Africa. However, undeclared production and informal cross-border trade can reduce government revenues and make oversight more difficult.
Guinea has already taken steps to increase control over its gold industry. Earlier this year, authorities banned exports of raw gold as part of efforts to strengthen domestic oversight and increase revenues.
Neighbours seek closer cooperation
Guinea and Ivory Coast share a land border and have important economic and security interests in the wider West African region.
The latest talks signal an effort by both governments to strengthen bilateral coordination.
For Guinea and Ivory Coast, closer cooperation could include greater intelligence sharing, stronger economic ties and coordination over cross-border challenges.