Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf visited Niger's capital, Niamey, on November 4, as a special envoy, where he met with General Abdourahamane Tiani. During the meeting, Attaf delivered a written message from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to General Tiani. The message expressed Tebboune's satisfaction with the current state of relations between Algeria and Niger, and his commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.

The meeting between Attaf and Tiani was attended by Niger's Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, and other high-ranking officials. The discussions focused on cooperation between the two countries and the security situation in the Sahel region. Attaf emphasized the importance of joint action to promote stability and security in the region, which has been plagued by crises and conflicts.

According to Attaf, the visit was a follow-up to General Tiani's state visit to Algeria, which has led to an acceleration of cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the possibilities opened up by this cooperation are now being concretely exploited for the benefit of both nations and their people.

The Nigerien delegation included the Minister of Petroleum, Hamadou Tini, and the Director-General of the Société nigérienne des produits pétroliers (SONIDEP), Oumarou Fatoumata Marafa Salifou. Their presence suggested that the oil sector was among the areas discussed during the talks, although no details were made public on potential agreements.

Attaf emphasized the need to transform the Sahel region from a "focus of crises" to a "focus of peace" and to make it a "center of prosperity and development". He noted that Algeria and Niger share a common history and a common ambition to promote stability and security in the region.

The visit highlighted the willingness of Niamey and Alger to better coordinate their positions on regional and continental issues. The two countries aim to strengthen their cooperation in areas such as energy and border security, where their interests converge.

The meeting between Attaf and Tiani reflects the growing cooperation between Algeria and Niger, two countries that share a long Sahara border and direct interests in securing the region. The outcome of this cooperation will be closely watched, as the Sahel region continues to face significant security and development challenges.

Key points

  • Algeria and Niger aim to strengthen cooperation in the Sahel region to promote stability and security.
  • The two countries seek to transform the Sahel from a "focus of crises" to a "center of prosperity and development".
  • The visit highlights the growing cooperation between Algeria and Niger, particularly in areas such as energy and border security.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.