Niger: Strengthening cooperation between Niamey and Ankara
Niger and Turkey are seeking to strengthen their bilateral ties in various strategic areas. A significant Turkish delegation was welcomed in Niamey this week for in-depth discussions with Nigerien authorities. This visit comes at a crucial time as the National Council for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) continues to redefine its alliances, nearly a year after the military takeover on July 26, 2023.
According to national media, the discussions between the Nigerien and Turkish delegations covered several essential sectors, including defense, oil, education, and health. The diversity of these areas reflects the ambition of both countries to forge a solid and sustainable multisectoral cooperation.
Defense cooperation was a key topic of the discussions. Both countries seek to enhance their collaboration to ensure security and stability in the region. This could include intelligence sharing, joint military training, and the acquisition of Turkish defense equipment.
The oil sector, crucial to Niger’s economy, was also a major focus. Turkey, with its technological expertise and investment capabilities, could play a significant role in developing Niger’s oil infrastructure, thereby contributing to the diversification of the country’s economic partners.
In the field of education, discussions centered on collaborative projects to improve access to education and strengthen the capacity of Nigerien educational institutions. In health, Turkey could support Niger through the construction of medical facilities, training of healthcare personnel, and provision of medical equipment.
The visit concluded with the signing of a memorandum on cooperation in these various fields. This agreement marks a significant step towards reinforced and structured collaboration between Niger and Turkey, paving the way for concrete and mutually beneficial projects for both nations.
This visit and these agreements come in the context of a reconfiguration of Niger’s international partnerships under the CNSP.
