Niger wants to advance cooperation with Russia in the areas of economics and security, Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine told Sputnik.
"Once again, it must be said that Niger and the Russian Federation are interacting again, and we are trying to move forward in all areas of economy and security," Zeine said.
The equipment previously acquired from Russia allowed the Nigerien government to more effectively counter armed groups, Zeine noted.
"We must remember that since 2007, when I was in the government of the late President [Mamadou] Tandja, Niger had already acquired aircraft and some equipment that allowed us to put an end to banditry in the subsequent period. And this was done based on cooperation, which can be seen in documents and which is being intensified today, since, obviously, maintenance of this equipment was periodically carried out and is being carried out," the prime minister argued.
Zeine pointed out that the recent visit of Russian Deputy Defense Minister Col. Gen. Yunus-Bek Evkurov to Niger will strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Niger has been facing challenges related to terrorism for about ten years, so the country requires support from friendly states, he added.
Moreover, Niger would like to increase its partnership with Russia not only in the fields of economics and security, but also in agriculture and trade, the prime minister told Sputnik.
"We understand very well what level of agricultural production is now in Russia. Our country is huge and, of course, intends to strengthen cooperation in this area. We are also striving to enter the trade sphere, just to return and intensify exchanges," Zeine said.
Thus, Niger is aimed at mutually beneficial cooperation with Moscow and does not seek to abuse requests for help to Russia and other countries, Niger’s official emphasized.
"Niger intends to develop win-win cooperation with Russia, which is a great country, and with all other peace-loving countries. This is our goal," the prime minister said, adding that it would not occur to Niger "to always be a beggar state."
On July 26, a coup d'état took place in Niger. Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by General Abdrahamane Tiani. After the coup, a wave of anti-French protests swept across the country. Residents of Niger called for the withdrawal of French troops from the country, which ultimately happened.