Jeddah, KSA, 17.03.2013 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of Burkina Faso and Envoy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)for Africa’s Sahel Region, paid a visit last week to the IDB headquarters.

HE Djibrill Yipènè Bassolé, in his meeting with Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, Chairman, IDB Group, referred to poverty and unemployment as among the leading causes of instability in the world, and that, to ensure security and promote development in the Sahel region of Africa there must be concerted efforts by the international community. He stressed that further measures are required to reduce poverty and eliminate unemployment among youth in the region. The Minister expressed deep appreciation over
the important role played by the IDB in supporting the development efforts in member countries, especially the Sahel region.

The IDB Group Chairman on his part emphasized the Bank’s keenness to support development and reconstruction in the Sahel region of Africa in general and in the Republic of Mali in particular. He stated that the IDB Group stands ready to further contribute to creating jobs for young people, alleviate poverty, and promote infrastructure and cooperation aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).