PM Ghrieb: Algeria and Niger have laid the foundation for a new phase of strategic partnership

Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb stressed Monday, in Niamey, the importance of converting the political momentum in the Algeria-Niger relations, launched by the leaders of both countries, into economic achievements that directly benefit both countries and their peoples, adding that Algeria and Niger have laid the foundation for a new phase of strategic partnership based on mutual trust and full convergence of views.

In a speech he delivered while co-chairing the opening of the second session of the Algerian-Nigerien Joint High Commission for Cooperation, alongside his Nigerien counterpart Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Ghrieb said “the fundamental objective bringing us together today is to translate the political momentum launched by our two countries’ leaders into concrete achievements, realistic projects and measurable on-the-ground results, for the direct benefit of both our countries and fraternal peoples, particularly in border areas, which represent a natural space for cooperation and integration.” In this regard, he outlined four priority areas the two countries must focus on: consolidating the existing achievements, accelerating the delivery of major structural projects, broadening and deepening bilateral cooperation and revitalizing the bilateral economic and trade partnership.

Commending the solid framework of cooperation and coordination mechanisms established by the two countries, the Prime Minister underscored the need to accelerate strategic projects that form the cornerstones of regional integration, including the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the fiber optic network.

He added that these projects “are not merely infrastructure installations, they are, in reality, vital arteries of development and integration, and the backbone of a promising economic corridor that will connect the Mediterranean basin to the heart of West Africa, opening broad horizons for trade, investment and shared development.” He stressed the need to explore new avenues for partnership and conclude additional agreements that reinforce this path, expressing his hope that the session’s works would be crowned with the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding covering the geological and mining research, energy, agriculture, health, vocation and university training, as well as youth and sports.

The Prime minister also underlined the importance of “translating the strong political will shared by both countries’ leadership into expanded economic exchanges and further investment initiatives,” urging investors, entrepreneurs and business operators in both countries to “explore the available commercial and investment opportunities and play an active role in bringing joint partnership projects to fruition.”