FM Fidan unveils bold counterterrorism agenda in Niger visit
FM Hakan Fidan attends joint-working group meeting with Niger in Niamey, Niger, July 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking during a visit to Niger, highlighted discussions on combating terrorism, which he identified as the primary source of instability in the Sahel region.
“In our discussions, we explored advancing the defense industry and intelligence capacity within the counterterrorism framework in Niger, similar to our efforts in Somalia,” Fidan stated in Niamey. “We also deliberated on the necessary steps to address terrorism, the main source of instability in the Sahel.”
Joining him at the news conference were Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin, and other officials.
Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s robust diplomatic presence in Africa, maintaining embassies in 44 of the continent’s 54 countries. “Our partnership with Africa is growing and becoming more institutionalized daily. Our joint efforts with African countries span diplomacy, economy, finance, security, defense, education, and health,” he noted.
Historical and modern ties with Niger
Reflecting on the historical ties with Niger dating back to the Ottoman Empire, Fidan underscored recent efforts to solidify these relations structurally. “Our initiatives in Africa prioritize the local people’s benefit and welfare. Peace, security, and stability in Africa remain our priorities, especially as instability and terrorism in the Sahel have become increasingly chronic.”
During the visit, discussions covered various topics, including counterterrorism, education, energy, health, trade, security and defense. The delegation, which met with Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, ministers and institutional heads, held three working groups focusing on foreign policy, security, defense, energy, mining, economy, and trade.
Fidan reported that they were also received by Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger’s president of the national council for the safeguard of the homeland. They reviewed the meetings’ outcomes and agreed on several joint steps.
Emphasizing Türkiye’s policy of sharing counterterrorism expertise with friendly nations, Fidan remarked on terrorism as a significant challenge for Africans. “We discussed advancing educational and health initiatives, including the Friendship Hospital and Maarif Schools scholarships.”
Economic and energy cooperation
On economic and financial cooperation, he mentioned increasing Turkish investments and contracting services, as well as strengthening trade agreements. Energy and mining cooperation were also areas of focus, with both sides agreeing to enhance collaboration and investment.
“We will systematically follow up on the decisions made, ensuring the agenda items are implemented in coordination with our relevant ministries and institutions. I hope our visit will be beneficial for both countries,” Fidan concluded.
