MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau to Moscow Alfredo Cristovao Gomes Lopes discussed the situation in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as well as building up cooperation in trade, economic and humanitarian areas.

"During the conversation the parties discussed topical issues of further development of traditionally friendly Russian-Bissau relations. Moreover, Moscow and Bissau's intention to deepen political dialogue and increase cooperation in trade, economic and humanitarian areas was confirmed," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Special attention was paid to the state of affairs in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)."

The ministry noted that the meeting was held at the request of Guinea-Bissau's ambassador.