President John Dramani Mahama has received commendation from President Alassane Ouattara of La Côte d'Ivoire for his leadership and impactful tenure as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States.

He was also commended for demonstrating a clear commitment to the integration efforts and for bringing his influence to bear on a number of issues in the sub-region.

President Mahama received the commendation during bilateral talks with President Ouattara in Abidjan as part of a two-day official visit to Côte d'Ivoire.

A statement issued by the Flagstaff House Communications Team and copied to the GNA said President Mahama was also recognised by the Ivorian President for his role in developing a new spirit of co-operation between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire and for enhancing the level of relations over the years from where the late President John Evans Atta Mills began before his death.

The statement said President Ouattara and President Mahama, addressing the press after their meeting in the Ivorian Presidential Palace, explained that their closed-door discussion focused on efforts to boost economic activities between the two nations.

The two leaders also discussed how to spearhead the regional integration efforts of the sub-region and how to amicably resolve the maritime border issues and sub-regional security.

The visit was President Mahama’s official trip to Côte d'Ivoire since he assumed office and was, therefore, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, the statement said.

Other members of the delegation were Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Mr Prosper Douglas Bani, the Interior Minister; Baba Kamara, the National Security Advisor; and Lt. Gen. Seth Obeng (Rtd.), a member of the Council of State.

The others were Ms Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Deputy Minister of Transport; Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, the Deputy Minister of Power; Mr Isaac Adjei Mensah, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways and Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, the Omanhene of Nsein Traditional Area.

President Mahama was later given the key to the Autonomous City of Abidjan and an Honorary Citizen of Côte d'Ivoire. He was also decorated with the highest Ivorian National Award at a state dinner held in his honour at the Presidential Palace.