From February 28 to March 2, Ibrahim Yacoubou, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens Abroad, will visit Russia at the invitation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Russia and Niger maintain a political dialogue based on their similar views on current international processes, including the development of a polycentric world order as a fairer and safer system of international relations. The two countries also interact beneficially at the UN and in many other international formats.

During the talks that will be held at the Foreign Ministry of Russia on March 1, the foreign ministers will discuss key international and regional issues with a focus on the settlement of conflicts in Africa, in particular in Mali, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Libya, as well as in the Middle East. They will also hold an in-depth exchange of opinions on ways to stabilise the situation in Sub-Saharan Africa in light of the ongoing struggle against terrorism and extremism.

The ministers will highlight the importance of stimulating trade, economic and investment cooperation between Russia and Niger, including the development of mineral deposits in Niger, where Russia’s GPB Global Resources is working. Cultural cooperation, another vital area of mutual relations, includes the training of Niger’s students at Russian universities.

We hope that these talks will help determine the practical ways to further strengthen the traditional relations of friendship between Russia and Niger.