Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Niger’s Head of State Abdourahamane Tchiani held a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara following a bilateral meeting, delegation-level talks, and a formal signing ceremony of multiple cooperation agreements.

The visit, described as President Tchiani’s first official trip outside Africa, marked a significant step in expanding diplomatic and strategic relations between Türkiye and Niger.

Speaking at the joint press conference, President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening relations with African countries on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and shared benefit.

He stated that Türkiye views its engagement with Africa as a long-term partnership extending beyond trade and economic cooperation, encompassing sectors such as security, education, culture, and transportation.

Erdoğan expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations, highlighting that discussions with the Nigerien delegation covered a broad range of areas including defense industry, security, energy, mining, agriculture, healthcare, education, and investment.

He noted that both sides agreed to establish an Economy and Trade Joint Committee aimed at deepening economic coordination and expanding investment opportunities in Niger.

The two countries also formalized their commitments through the signing of multiple agreements in various fields, strengthening the legal and institutional framework of their cooperation.

Underscoring the importance of educational cooperation, President Erdoğan pointed to the growing presence of Turkish educational initiatives in Niger.

He noted that more than 1,700 students are currently enrolled in schools operated by the Turkish Maarif Foundation in Niamey. In addition, nearly 500 Nigerien students are pursuing higher education in Türkiye, including approximately 300 supported through Turkish scholarship programs.

Addressing regional security challenges, President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s support for Niger’s efforts in combating terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.

He stated that Türkiye follows closely the anti-terrorism operations conducted by Nigerien security forces and expressed readiness to expand cooperation in military training and intelligence sharing.

Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is prepared to share its experience in security and counterterrorism efforts to support regional stability and strengthen Niger’s institutional capacity.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s broader Africa policy, Erdoğan underlined that relations with African countries are built on long-term strategic cooperation rather than short-term interests.

He stated that Türkiye will continue to support friendly and brotherly nations across the continent in their development efforts and in addressing security challenges that threaten stability.

The Ankara talks between the two leaders are expected to further deepen Türkiye–Niger relations, particularly in strategic sectors and development-oriented partnerships. (ILKHA)