The partnership between Niger and Türkiye reached a new milestone this week during an official visit by Nigerien President General Abdourahamane Tiani to Ankara. This marks the first overseas trip by the Nigerien head of state since assuming office, culminating in the signing of multiple cooperation agreements spanning security, economics, health, education, and diplomacy.
Following their discussions at the presidential palace, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Abdourahamane Tiani formalized several key texts, including a higher education protocol for 2026–2030, the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), an agreement on managing the Niger-Türkiye Friendship Hospital, and a diplomatic cooperation memorandum.
The Turkish leader emphasized the shared ambition to expand collaboration in vital sectors such as defense, energy, mining, agriculture, trade, and investment. He also announced the creation of a dedicated mechanism to boost business opportunities between Ankara and Niamey.
Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to African nations facing security challenges, particularly in the Sahel region. He highlighted plans to deepen cooperation in military training and intelligence-sharing, while underscoring that Ankara’s African policy is built on mutual respect, equal partnerships, and reciprocal benefits.
The Turkish president also highlighted tangible contributions in Niger, including the Friendship Hospital, irrigation and rural development projects, and educational initiatives by the Maarif Foundation. He noted that nearly 500 Nigerien students are currently pursuing higher education in Türkiye.
For his part, President Tiani described the relationship as strategically vital for Niger. He pointed to the substantial growth in ties since Erdoğan’s visit to Niger in 2013 and praised Ankara’s support in combating armed groups in the Sahel, asserting that this cooperation has bolstered the country’s security capabilities and regional stability.
