Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb co-chaired with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Ali Lamine Zein Mahaman, on Tuesday the signing ceremonies of more than 20 agreements in various strategic and important sectors between the two countries, as they concluded the joint committee meeting with a joint statement, reaffirming their willingness to elevate the bilateral partnership to a higher strategic level.
The cooperation agreements signed during the visit of PM Ghrieb to Niamey, on the occasion of the Algerian–Nigerien Joint Committee meeting, covered several sectors, including energy, health, public works, religious affairs, youth and sports, higher education and scientific research, industry and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the knowledge economy, startups and micro-enterprises, in addition to the environment and cooperation in the field of laboratories.
The second session of the Algeria-Niger High Joint Commission for Cooperation concluded with a joint statement in which both parties reaffirmed their shared determination to elevate their partnership to a higher strategic level. The statement noted that this meeting reinforces the distinguished nature of relations between the two countries and reflects their common desire to further deepen them.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to emphasize the irreversible strategic character of these relations, in line with the requirements of a fully renewed partnership and in harmony with each country’s potential, drawing on advantages that benefit both sides.
According to the statement, both parties highlighted the convergence of their views on regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their conviction that the challenges facing the Sahel-Sahara region require coordinated responses rooted in local realities.
In this context, the two sides stressed that the security and stability of both countries are closely interconnected, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime, particularly through enhanced coordination and the activation of relevant bilateral mechanisms.
Key Infrastructure Projects
In their joint statement, Algeria and Niger stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of structuring projects linking the two countries, notably the Trans-Saharan Highway, cross-border fiber optic connectivity, and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project, as key drivers of economic integration and regional connectivity.
They also agreed to strengthen their cooperation in high-potential sectors, particularly energy (including hydrocarbons and renewable energy), agriculture, infrastructure, health, vocational training, and digitalization, in addition to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
The two sides stressed the need to create a favorable environment for investment and trade by simplifying administrative and customs procedures, developing trade corridors, and promoting cross-border cooperation areas, in a way that contributes to local development and the stability of border regions. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Africa, giving priority to political and inclusive solutions to crises, in accordance with regional and continental frameworks and international law.
In this regard, both parties reiterated their support for just causes, in line with the principles of international law and the provisions of the United Nations Charter, and commended initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.
The statement noted that both parties took note of the prevailing dynamics in the Sahel region regarding cooperation and coordination, and stressed the importance of any initiative that contributes to enhancing stability while adhering to the aforementioned principles. Moreover, they welcomed the quality of their consultations within regional and international bodies and agreed to continue close coordination on issues of common interest.
Following the conclusion of the proceedings, both parties expressed their satisfaction with the progress achieved and the promising prospects agreed upon, which were marked by the identification of key projects and priority measures to be jointly implemented.
The two sides signed a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding across various fields, and agreed to hold the third session of the Niger–Algeria High Joint Commission for Cooperation in Algeria in 2027, on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.
