Russia is interested in expanding trade, economic and investment ties and trade turnover with Niger, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said at a meeting in Moscow with visiting Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine.
According to Overchuk, Russia considers Niger "a friendly state with which mutually beneficial constructive relations have been established for a long time."
Joint steps are needed to develop the partnership in energy and a number of other areas, the Russian official added.
"We are interested in expanding trade, economic and investment relations, increasing trade turnover. This requires further joint steps to develop partnership in such promising areas as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, geological exploration," the Russian deputy prime minister stressed.
According to reports, the Nigerien prime minister also plans to visit Serbia, Turkey and Iran as part of his foreign tour.
Accompanying Lamine Zeine on the trip are the ministers of defense, oil and gas, agriculture, trade, youth, and sports.
In late July 2023, Niger's military removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power and proclaimed a course of liberation from French and, more broadly, Western dependence, Mondafrique writes. The transitional authorities have announced plans to diversify cooperation with foreign countries in all areas, including defense, oil production and health care, the publication notes.