Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with President of Niger Abdurakhman Chiani.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with President Abdurakhman Chiani and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigerians Abroad Yau Sangare Bakari during his visit to Niamey. This was announced on July 8 by the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"During the talks, a wide range of topical issues were discussed to further strengthen the traditionally friendly Russian-Nigerian relations, including taking into account the resumption of the activities of the Russian Embassy in Niamey earlier this year," the ministry said.

During the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual commitment to intensify bilateral cooperation in various fields, with an emphasis on expanding mutually beneficial ties in trade, economic, investment and humanitarian spheres, and improving the legal framework.

During the exchange of views on key issues on the agenda, a common position was voiced on the formation of a more just multipolar world order based on the rule of international law and the central role of the United Nations. The parties stressed their rejection of neocolonial practices and new forms of exploitation within the framework of the "rules-based order" imposed by the West. It was also agreed to strengthen coordination of actions.

"The Russian side expressed support for the sovereign course of the current Nigerian authorities to ensure sustainable development, including through the fight against terrorism sponsored by a number of Western countries, and strengthening security in Niger and the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole," the ministry added.

African component: Russia strengthens its position in the Sahel

Lavrov's historic visit to Niger took place amid heightened terrorist danger

Earlier that day, Russia, together with the countries of the Confederation of Sahel States (ACS), announced the existence of a conspiracy involving Ukraine, France and terrorist groups operating in the region. The joint document states that the parties "strongly condemned such destructive actions aimed at undermining the statehood of the confederation countries and stability in the region."

On July 8, Lavrov said at a meeting of the Russia–AGC Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey that Russia and the countries of the Confederation of Sahel States had achieved significant success in integrating and forming a new regional security architecture under the auspices of the alliance. According to Lavrov, this is his first visit to Niamey. The Minister noted the remarkable situation: recently he had the opportunity to visit all three capitals of the Sahel states.