Premier Meets with Nigerien President

Premier Li Keqiang met with Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou in Beijing on May 28.

Premier Li highly values the progress in China-Niger ties and cooperation. He said that China views Niger as a significant partner in Africa, and is willing to deepen mutual respect, the reciprocal relationship, political mutual trust, and development strategy alignment along with Niger, which will help develop China-Niger relations into an exemplar for China-Africa cooperation.

China and Niger are both developing countries, the Premier said, and both sides should learn from each other and take a development path in line with their status.

China will step up cooperation with Niger in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare and alike under market rules and commercial principles, with adherence to open, eco-friendly and sustainable development, in a bid to make win-win achievements.

Capable Chinese enterprises are encouraged to participate in Nigerien construction projects, which call for sound local security assurance, the Premier said.

China is willing to provide Niger with support that is in China's power to help with Niger's social development and improvement in people's well-being.

China is delighted to know the agreement on the African free trade zone will come into force, and supports the progress of African integration.

Issoufou offered congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and hailed China's great achievements since reform and opening-up.

Niger highly values Niger-China relations, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and is willing to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen relations and cooperation in various fields, he said.

He also expressed the will to strengthen coordination with China in international affairs and promote bilateral relations and Africa-China relations.