Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev paid a working visit to Niamey on Friday.
Footage shows Tsivilev shaking hands with Russian Ambassador to Niger Viktor Voropayev, Nigerien Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba and other officials, as well as taking part in the intergovernmental commission.
“We need to increase trade in agricultural produce between Russia and Niger by boosting the volume of grain and oilseed and fat products supplied. Russia is one of the leading producers and exporters of various types of fertilisers. More than 20,000 tonnes of Russian mineral fertilisers have been supplied to Niger as part of humanitarian aid,” Tsivilev said.
He also noted that developing natural resources in Niger was among the most important areas of co-operation between the two nations.
“Your country possesses vast reserves of natural resources, but proper geological exploration and mapping are required, followed by the development of a sound plan for the extraction of these deposits. We will do our utmost to ensure that it is not merely raw materials that are exported, but that production also takes place here, so that high-value-added goods can subsequently be exported,” the Russian minister added.
In conclusion, Tsivilev expressed his confidence that an effective strategy within the commission’s work would take the co-operation to the next level.
The visit comes during his Africa visit and follows recent trips to the Central African Republic and Togo, where he co-chaired the inaugural meetings of intergovernmental commissions.
Source: Viory
