Türkiye, Niger strengthen ties with energy agreements
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Head of MIT Ibrahim Kalin, Head of Turkish Defense Industries Haluk Gorgun and Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine attend joint-working group meeting in Niamey, Niger on July 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, accompanied by a high-level delegation, visited Niger to bolster bilateral relations and address key regional issues. The delegation included Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin.
Counterterrorism and defense initiatives
During the visit, Fidan emphasized the importance of combating terrorism, a primary source of instability in the Sahel region.
We discussed what could be done to advance the defense industry and intelligence capacity within the framework of counterterrorism in Niger, as we have done in Somalia
Hakan Fidan
The discussions focused on collaborative steps to enhance security and defense capabilities against the persistent threat of terrorism.
Historic ties and partnership policies
Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s long-standing historical ties with Niger, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. He noted that Türkiye’s partnership policy with Africa is becoming more institutionalized, with embassies in 44 out of 54 African countries.
Our partnership policy with Africa is progressing and becoming more institutionalized every day. Our joint efforts with African countries in areas such as diplomacy, economy, finance, security, defense, education, and health are intensifying
Hakan Fidan
Energy and natural resources agreements
Energy cooperation was a significant focus of the visit. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar signed the Petroleum and Natural Gas Cooperation Agreement with Niger’s officials. This agreement aims to enhance dialogue between the two countries’ relevant institutions and support Turkish companies in developing Niger’s oil and gas fields.
High-level meetings and future cooperation
The Turkish delegation met with Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine and other top officials, including President Abdourahamane Tchiani. They held detailed discussions in three working groups, covering foreign policy, security, defense, energy, mining, economy, and trade. These meetings resulted in a series of joint steps and a commitment to systematic follow-up on the decisions made.
We also discussed enhancing cooperation in the areas of economy and finance. Various topics were addressed, including increasing the number of Turkish investors, contracting services, and strengthening the contractual basis of trade
Hakan Fidan
Expanding cooperation in education and health
Discussions also included enhancing cooperation in the education and health sectors. Initiatives such as the Friendship Hospital and Maarif Schools scholarships were evaluated for further advancement. The delegation aimed to improve the welfare of the local population through these collaborative efforts.
Final remarks
Fidan concluded the visit by stressing Türkiye’s commitment to sharing its counterterrorism experience with friendly nations and supporting the development of defense and intelligence capacities in Niger.
“We will systematically follow up on the decisions made. The issues scheduled on the agenda will be implemented in coordination with our relevant ministries and institutions. I hope our visit will be beneficial for both countries,” he said.
