As Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty embarked on his West Africa tour, he marked his third stop at the capital of Niger to reaffirm bilateral co-operation between the two countries.
The Egyptian foreign minister held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Niger Bakary Yaou Sangare on Wednesday.
Both sides highlighted their satisfaction with the two nations’ bilateral relations, highlighting fields of health, education, training, and energy, as well emphasising the need to further enhance the co-operation.
Ministers bid to strengthen cooperation
The situation in the Sahel and West Africa, as well as the need to strengthen African co-operation in addressing security and development issues, were the main topics of the meeting.
Both parties raised awareness in regional security issues, particularly the proliferation of organised crime and terrorism, emphasising the call for action.
The urgent need of enhancing African collaboration and the significance of continuous co-ordination and consultation on regional issues of shared interest were also emphasised by the two counterparts.
Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding to create a political consultation framework between the two foreign ministries was signed at the end of the conference.
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Egypt’s commitment to Niger
Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s commitment to strengthen economic relations with Niger, in line with the directives of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The foreign minister noted that the country’s primary focus is in the development of economic and developmental partnerships.
Making into account the safety, growth and cultural aspects, Abdelatty evaluated his country’s significant experience in fighting terrorism.
He reiterated the willingness to impart its experience to Niger and other Sahelian nations.
Meanwhile, Nigerien counterpart Sangare commended Egypt’s proactive role in furthering the objectives of Africa and expressed his country’s appreciation for the other nation’s ongoing support.
In a way that helps benefit the two countries, he reaffirmed Niger’s intention to expand co-operation with Egypt in various sectors.
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Angelica N. Hall 
Shameeka Voyiya 
Carmela Calling