Erdogan receives Niger's president in Ankara: New agreements to strengthen cooperation
An official visit that reflects the growing relations between the two countries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received his Nigerien counterpart, Abdourahmane Tchiani, in the capital Ankara during an official visit that is the first by the Nigerien president outside the African continent since he took office in 2023.
This comes as a step that reflects the growing political and economic relations between the two countries in recent years.
A formal welcoming ceremony took place at the Presidential Complex in Ankara before the two leaders held bilateral talks that addressed ways to enhance joint cooperation and regional and international issues of common interest, in addition to discussing security developments in the African Sahel region.
Cooperation agreements in trade, education and the economy
The visit resulted in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries, covering higher education, trade, and economic development. An agreement was also reached to establish a joint economic and trade committee aimed at boosting investment and expanding trade between Ankara and Niamey.
During a joint press conference, Erdogan affirmed that his country seeks to expand its partnerships with African countries based on mutual respect and common interests, noting that Niger is a friendly country with which Turkey has strong historical ties.
Security and counter-terrorism topped the agenda of the talks.
The issue of regional security and counter-terrorism occupied an important part of the talks between the two sides, especially in light of the security challenges facing the Sahel region.
The Turkish President expressed his country’s readiness to continue supporting African countries in confronting armed groups and terrorist organizations that threaten stability in the region.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the areas of defense, military training and the exchange of security expertise, within the framework of Niger’s orientation towards diversifying its international partnerships and strengthening its security capabilities.
Niger is seeking new partners on the international stage.
The visit comes at a time when Niger is undergoing major shifts in its foreign policy since the political change that took place in the country in 2023. Niamey is seeking to build closer ties with new partners, amid a redrawing of the map of regional and international alliances in the Sahel region.
Observers believe that the visit represents an indication of Turkey’s growing influence in Africa, especially in the Sahel region, where Ankara is working to strengthen its economic, security and diplomatic presence through multiple partnerships with countries on the continent.
The agreements signed during the visit are expected to open new horizons for cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of trade, investment, education and defense, which will strengthen bilateral relations and give Niger additional opportunities to support its development and security plans in the coming period.
