APS : Tuesday, 18 October 2016
NIAMEY- Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens Abroad Ibrahim Yacouba hailed the “excellent” relations between Algeria and Niger at all levels and Algeria’s special role for a political solution in Libya, through the mechanism of neighbouring countries.
Following his discussions, in Niamey on Tuesday, with Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League Abdelkader Messahel, the Nigerien Foreign Minister said that Algeria and Niger have developed “excellent” relations in all fields, including those related to political and security cooperation, higher education and development.
He added that he discussed with Messahel issues of common interest, and they both agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in all areas.
Niger’s Foreign minister also expressed gratitude to Algeria for its “great solidarity” with his country.
Yacouba said that his discussions with Messahel took place ahead of a “very important” meeting of Libya’s neighbouring countries, to be held in Niamey on Wednesday.
“Algeria has played a special role in the creation of the mechanism of Libya’s neighbouring countries,” he added.
The Nigerien minister underlined the need to join efforts, strengthen cooperation between the neighbouring countries and to play a positive role for the resolution of the crisis, in view of the repercussions of the Libyan crisis on the region.
In this regard, he said that “neighbouring countries are the most affected by the consequences of the crisis in Libya,” adding that “it is incumbent on them to ensure the success of the ongoing political process in Libya.”
Yacouba also stressed the urgent need to “create the conditions for an inclusive national unity in Libya and to support the legitimate government, resulting from the political process in the country.”
“The major objective of neighbouring countries is to restore security and stability in the region,” he added.
Messahel started Monday a working visit to Niger. During his visit, the minister will hold discussions with senior officials and will participate in the eighth meeting of Libya’s neighbouring countries.
