Algerian Radio
The sessions of the Algeria-Niger Joint Cooperation Committee at the expert level convened this Sunday in Niamey. The meetings provided an opportunity to highlight the potential for deepening the partnership and cooperation between the two nations across multiple fields—including energy, infrastructure, finance, and telecommunications—in preparation for the second session of the High Joint Commission scheduled for this Monday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Boualem Chebihi, Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, and Mr. Souleymane Issakou, Secretary General of the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of representatives from various ministerial sectors of both sides.
The expert meeting provided an opportunity for representatives from both countries to discuss, within sectoral committees, the implementation of existing bilateral agreements and the development of cooperation in economic, security, cultural, and energy fields. Discussions also focused on facilitating the movement of people and goods, accelerating trade, developing transport corridors, and completing major projects—foremost among them the Nigerien section of the Trans-Saharan Highway.
The convening of the Algeria-Niger High Joint Commission follows the outcomes of the brotherly and working visit made by the President of the Republic of Niger, Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, to Algeria last February.
During the talks held between the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and President Tiani, it was agreed to reactivate bilateral cooperation mechanisms, convene the Algerian-Nigerien High Joint Commission meeting in Niamey, and organize regular political and sectoral consultations.
In his opening remarks at the expert meeting, Mr. Chebihi highlighted the solid historical ties underpinning the relations between the two countries, characterized by brotherhood, solidarity, and a convergence of views on major regional issues. He stressed the importance of translating this political will into tangible results by consolidating gains, accelerating the implementation of joint structural projects, and expanding cooperation into new promising sectors. Special attention, he noted, should be given to boosting economic and trade exchanges to achieve a positive impact for the peoples of both nations, particularly in the border regions.
Referring to the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Niger, Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, to Algeria, Mr. Chebihi emphasized that it constituted a “decisive turning point, as it enshrined the mutual will to elevate our partnership to a higher strategic level”.
He also noted that the convening of the second session of the High Joint Commission comes within a regional context characterized by numerous challenges, primarily security-related. In this framework, Mr. Chebihi reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to promoting its cooperation with Niger, while respecting its sovereignty and ensuring a comprehensive approach that integrates both security and development.
For his part, the Secretary General of the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the depth of Algerian-Nigerien relations, noting that the convening of this session reflects the interest shown by the leaders of the two countries in developing and strengthening cooperation ties based on friendship, brotherhood, and mutual respect.
In addition to serving as a framework for dialogue that reflects the strength of relations built on cooperation and a shared will to promote sustainable development for both countries, this session takes place as Niger rebuilds its policy and strengthens cooperation with countries that share its common values, such as Algeria, the Secretary General added.
