Top diplomats from three west African countries ruled by military authorities following a coup – namely Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso- met Thursday (Feb. 09) in Ouagadougou the Burkinabe government announced.

The meeting comes a few weeks after Burkina Faso’s prime minister, in a visit to neighbouring Mali on early February, suggested the two countries form a “federation” to boost their economic clout.

After their working session Abdoulaye Diop (Mali), Morissanda Kouyaté (Guinea) and Olivia Rouamba (Burkina), are expected to address the press according to the Burkinabe Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“This is the first time I have arrived in Burkina Faso since the struggle of the Burkinabe that led to a rectification to be able to recover the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this brotherly country,” Abdoulaye Diop said upon arrival.

“Together, we will make a statement to regional organizations, so that we can hear more audibly the claims and requests of our people through our governments and our leaders,” said Mrs. Morissanda Kouyaté.