The children of the elderly Australian couple kidnapped by militants in Burkina Faso are desperately hoping their mother’s release means their father will also soon be free.

After three weeks in captivity Jocelyn Elliott was overnight presented to the media by Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou in Dosso, who said authorities were still working to secure Dr Ken Elliott’s release.

“We are trusting that the moral and guiding principles of those who have released our mother will also be applied to our elderly father, who has served the community of Djibo and the Sahel for more than half his lifetime,” the couple’s family said in a statement.

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“They are separated now but united in their desire to bring healing and hope to the people of Northern Burkina Faso and the surrounding regions.

“We respectfully request that they be allowed to continue their work together, providing essential surgical services.”

Dr Elliott is still being held by the militant group.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has thanked the governments of Niger and Burkina Faso for their efforts in securing the release of Mrs Elliott, but declined to comment on Dr Elliott’s future.

“I would rather not comment on that, because again we’re dealing with a difficult diplomatic situation and the Burkina Faso government is working very well on it and we’ll continue to stay in touch with them,” Mr Turnbull told ABC television on Sunday.

The West Australian couple, aged in their 80s, were abducted by suspected Islamic extremists on January 15 following attacks in the Burkina Faso capital of Ouagadougou that killed 28 people.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has spoken to Mrs Elliott and her concern now is getting her husband released.

Ms Bishop told reporters on Sunday afternoon that Mrs Elliott was “well, she was relieved and she was very tired”.

“Our overriding concern now is for her husband, Dr Kenneth Elliott,” Ms Bishop said.