Turkish delegation led by foreign and defense ministers to visit Niger

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler and head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Ibrahim Kalin are scheduled to visit Niger on Wednesday.

According to diplomatic sources, the delegation includes Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Presidency of Defense Industries Chairman Haluk Gorgun, and Deputy Trade Minister Ozgur Volkan Agar.

The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral political and economic relations, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and addressing regional issues such as developments in the Sahel region and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Current situation in Niger

During the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meeting on Aug. 10, 2023, a one-week deadline was set for the return to constitutional order and the release of President Mohamed Bazoum. However, the activation of an ECOWAS Standby Force and its deployment to Niger did not materialize.

On Sept. 16, 2023, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger established the “Sahel States Alliance” in Bamako, Mali, while on Jan. 28, 2024, they announced the termination of their ECOWAS memberships.

At the summit in Niamey on July 6, 2024, the Sahel States Alliance signed an agreement aiming to form a confederation among member states.

Niger-Türkiye relations

Niger’s Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, visited Türkiye from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, 2024.

This visit by the foreign minister, defense minister, energy and natural resources minister and other officials aims to deepen bilateral relations, building upon the agreements reached during Zeine’s visit to Türkiye.

Türkiye has had a longstanding presence in Niger, with Turkish companies active in energy, mining, services, and construction sectors. Noteworthy Turkish investments include the Türkiye-Niger Friendship Hospital and a Women’s Health and Maternity Hospital established in 2019, with the addition of an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) center in March 2021.

The Türkiye Maarif Foundation operates 13 schools across three campuses in Niamey, along with two student dormitories accommodating a total of 648 students, and a sports complex.

This visit underscores Türkiye’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Niger across various sectors, aiming for mutual benefits and regional stability.