Niger / Bilateral Cooperation: Russian deputy defense minister visits Niamey this Sunday
On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Lunus-Bek Evkurov made a new visit for the signing of a Memorandum of Multisectoral Cooperation between Niger and Russia. During this meeting, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations in various fields, notably economic development, security, and defense.
This initiative reflects Niger’s desire to diversify its international partnerships and promote beneficial cooperation, opening new perspectives for relations between Niamey and Moscow in a spirit of solidarity and respect for each state’s sovereignty.
The transitional President, Abdourahamane Tiani, expressed « the gratitude of the Nigerien people to the Russian Federation for its constant and multifaceted support », while calling for « increased mobilization of Russian economic actors to invest in Niger ».
It should be noted that on December 4, 2023, President Abdourahamane Tiani had already received Colonel General Lunus-Bek Evkurov during a working visit to Niamey. At that time, a working session had taken place with the Minister of State for National Defense, General Salifou Mody. This meeting resulted in the signing of a Multisectoral Cooperation Memorandum between Niger and the Russian Federation.
Sunday’s meeting was attended by Brigadier General Mohamed Toumba, Minister of State for the Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration, Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, Chief of Staff, President of the CNSP, and Dr. Soumana Boubacar, Minister and Director of the President’s Office.
As a reminder, two Russian cargo planes recently arrived at Niamey airport with anti-aircraft equipment and instructors to train the Nigerien army in its use. This confirms the smooth progress of relations between the two countries.
