APS : Tuesday, 18 October 2016
NIAMEY (Niger)- Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League Abdelkader Messahel underlined, Tuesday in Niamey (Niger), the crucial importance of the meeting of Libya’s neighbouring countries, scheduled for Wednesday in the Nigerien capital, adding that the “resolution of the crisis in Libya requires dialogue and national reconciliation, away from any foreign interference.”
Following the audience granted to him by President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou, Messahel stressed the “crucial importance” of Wednesday’s meeting, in view of the current situation in the region.
The minister also underlined the convergence of views between Algeria and Niger, as well as with all countries of the region, regarding the support to a political solution in Libya and dialogue and national reconciliation between Libyans, away from any foreign interference.
“Tomorrow’s meeting will be an opportunity to reaffirm the position shared by all neighbouring countries on the crisis in Libya, and to reiterate support to Libya’s Presidential Council,” said Messahel
“We have noticed a strong willingness among Libyans to achieve peace, security and stability, through their desire to achieve a national reconciliation, which will allow them overcome the crisis,” said the minister.
“It is our duty as neighbouring countries to support this willingness,” he stressed, adding that the “resolution of the crisis in Libya requires dialogue and national reconciliation.”
Messahel seized this opportunity to offer condolences to the Nigerien people following the “barbaric” terrorist attack last week in the region of Tizali, west of Niger, and the attack on the prison of Koutou Kale.
He also reaffirmed Algiers’ support to Niamey and expressed satisfaction at the achievements made by Niger’s government in the fight against terrorism.
Messahel underlined the importance of joint action between Algeria and Niger, and with all neighbouring countries, to restore stability in the region.
During the audience, the president of Niger and Messahel discussed issues relating to security cooperation and coordination between the two countries, and means to implement the decisions made by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his Nigerien counterpart during his recent visit to Algeria in January 2015.
In this regard, Messahel said that the forthcoming working visit, which will be paid by Niger’s Prime minister to Algiers, would be an opportunity to assess the implementation of the decisions agreed on by the presidents of the two countries.
