16 Jan 2024
Niger PM in Russia for talks on defence ties

Niger PM in Russia for talks on defence ties

The prime minister intends to discuss widening a partnership with Russia in the areas of defence, agriculture and energy, according to reports.
Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine  doubles up as the minister of economy and finance.

Niger's junta-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine has arrived in Moscow for a visit, the Izvestia newspaper reported.

Izvestia showed footage of Zeine being greeted at a Moscow airport.

During the visit, Zeine intends to discuss widening a partnership with Russia in the areas of defence, agriculture and energy, Izvestia reported.

Zeine, a former finance minister, was appointed prime minister last August following a military coup the previous month.

Niger's uranium and oil reserves and its pivotal role in a war with insurgents in the Sahel region give it economic and strategic importance for the United States, Europe, China and Russia.

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Reuters

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