Algerian Radio
Participants in the works of the Joint Cooperation Committee between Algeria and Niger at the expert level, held this Sunday in Niamey, highlighted the two countries' determination to enhance cooperation and partnership across various sectors, serving the interests of both brotherly peoples and boosting the development process.
Representatives of several ministerial sectors from both the Algerian and Nigerien sides, in statements on the sidelines of the preparatory meeting for the 2nd session of the High Joint Committee for Cooperation scheduled for Monday, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and intensifying strategic partnership while exploring new fields of cooperation.
In this framework, the Director General of the National Chamber of Traditional Industry, Abdelkrim Berki, representing the Ministry of Tourism and Traditional Industry, praised the significant cooperative opportunities existing between Algeria and Niger. He noted that the tourism sector is participating in this dynamic by offering training programs in Algeria for the benefit of the Nigerien side, particularly in the fields of tourism, culinary arts, and catering.
He also highlighted the participation of Nigerien artisans in various events organized in Algeria, as well as Algeria's participation in events held in Niger, affirming that this cooperation reflects the keenness of both countries to enhance the exchange of expertise and build sustainable partnerships.
In turn, the representative of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-enterprises, Tarek Ben Mohamed, discussed the vast opportunities available to promote the startup and innovation sector. He emphasized joint efforts to facilitate the movement of these companies across various African countries, thereby supporting entrepreneurship and opening new markets.
Speaking about the High Joint Committee, the official considered it a favorable opportunity to enhance joint coordination in light of Algeria's openness to its African environment, particularly through initiatives such as the African Startup Conference hosted annually by Algeria.
It is worth noting that the expert-level meeting was an opportunity to highlight the potential for deepening partnership in multiple fields such as energy, infrastructure, finance, and telecommunications.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Director General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Boualem Chebihi, and the Secretary General of the Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Souleymane Issakou, in the presence of representatives from several ministerial sectors from both sides.
In this context, the Secretary General of the Nigerien Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Sani, explained that his country's aspirations mainly lie in completing the Trans-Saharan Highway (Lagos-Algiers) in the section crossing Niger, pointing to its vital role in facilitating the movement of goods and people and connecting African economies.
He also addressed the "North-South" railway project implemented by Algeria, connecting Algiers to Tamanrasset, confirming that it will contribute in the future to establishing a strategic corridor to facilitate economic exchanges and cross-border trade.
For his part, the Director General of the Nigerien Directorate of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Abdoulkader Hama, stated that the convening of the High Joint Committee is an important step reflecting the shared will to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level, in line with the strong historical ties between the two brotherly countries.
