Germany is not looking to withdraw troops from the rebel-controlled Nigerien capital of Niamey any time soon, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.
"Niamey plays an important role for us in terms of logistics in neighboring Mali. It is always a good thing to maintain local contacts and not to fully withdraw as long as you don't have to," he said in an interview with media.
The minister said Germany was guided in its decision to keep boots on the ground by security considerations. He said the troops would leave if there was no reason to stay and if risks were too great.
"If the French units withdraw the question of withdrawal will become acute," he added.
Pistorius spoke to French media ahead of his meeting with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The French minister will host his German counterpart for talks at an air base in western France on Thursday.