PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER: Deputy Speaker David Agius meets New Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, David Agius, today held a meeting with Nogozène Bakayoko, the newly accredited non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to Malta, on the occasion of the presentation of her credentials.

During the meeting, Agius welcomed Ambassador Bakayoko to Malta and conveyed his best wishes for a successful term. Both sides reaffirmed the cordial relations that exist between Malta and Côte d'Ivoire and expressed their commitment to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, education, energy, culture, and migration.

The Deputy Speaker underlined Malta's readiness to continue supporting sustainable development through trade and investment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, health, and education. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in training and skills development, as well as in expanding business-to-business exchanges between Maltese and Ivorian enterprises. Agius also mentioned the possibility of establishing the Malta-Cote d'Ivoire Parliamentary Friendship Group. This Group can serve as a catalyst to enhance the trade and economic relations between both countries.

Migration was also discussed, with Agius acknowledging Côte d'Ivoire's constructive cooperation on returns and readmission and emphasising Malta's commitment to addressing the root causes of irregular migration through holistic and long-term development approaches.

Ambassador Bakayoko outlined Côte d'Ivoire's priorities in strengthening ties with Malta and welcomed Malta's support in enhancing bilateral relations, as well as collaboration within the broader framework of EU-Africa cooperation.

The meeting also touched on multilateral and regional challenges, including climate change, the situation in Ukraine, and the Middle East Peace Process, where both sides underlined the importance of dialogue, stability, and international cooperation.

Agius concluded by wishing Ambassador Bakayoko well in her new role and looked forward to the opening of the Consulate of Côte d'Ivoire in Malta, tomorrow 26^th September 2025, which will provide a new platform to strengthen people-to-people and institutional links between the two countries.

Photos: SPK