On August 28, 2026, Maxime Prévot, the Belgian Foreign Minister, was received in Niamey by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. This meeting marked the culmination of a diplomatic tour aimed at re-establishing lines of communication with Niger and its partners within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The Belgian diplomat’s itinerary included a prior stop in Ouagadougou on August 27, where he held discussions with Burkinabè President Ibrahim Traoré. This dual visit underscored Belgium’s strategic effort to engage with both Burkina Faso and Niger.

Minister Prévot articulated his desire to foster stronger ties between the European Union and the AES nations, acknowledging existing differences but emphasizing the necessity of a dialogue founded on mutual respect. This initiative seeks to bridge gaps and promote constructive engagement in the region.

Belgium maintains a long-standing collaborative relationship with Niger, particularly in the vital sectors of health, education, and agropastoral development. These areas continue to form the bedrock of its enduring presence and commitment to the country’s progress.

This diplomatic outreach is further supported by Belgium’s consistent presence in the central Sahel, where it operates two key diplomatic missions in Niamey and Ouagadougou, reinforcing its dedication to regional stability and development.