Niger is intensifying its strategic partnership with Russia, marked by a significant visit from Serguei Tsivilev, Russian Minister of Energy, who met with President Abdourahamane Tiani in Niamey on July 28, 2025.
Leading a delegation, Mr. Tsivilev’s visit signals a new phase in Niger-Russia relations, focusing on development, energy sovereignty, and scientific collaboration.
The high-level meeting reaffirmed a shared political will to forge strong, trust-based cooperation. As Chairman of the Russian Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Relations with the Alliance of Sahel States, Mr. Tsivilev chose Niger as his first destination, underscoring Niamey’s pivotal role in Russia’s African diplomatic agenda.
Accompanied by representatives from Russian companies, the minister engaged in dynamic discussions with Nigerien officials about investment opportunities in key sectors including energy, agriculture, health, and education. Niger’s abundant mineral and energy resources were highlighted as areas of strategic potential.
President Tiani expressed his intention to appoint a Nigerien co-chair for the Joint Commission soon, aiming to institutionalize and regularize bilateral cooperation. This move is designed to foster sustainable, structured collaboration built on mutual development goals benefiting both nations.
A landmark moment of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear power development. This agreement sets ambitious plans to establish an integrated uranium exploitation chain in Niger. Beyond resource development, the initiative includes training programs to build local expertise, starting from school education and extending to advanced studies in Russia. This knowledge transfer is envisioned as a key driver for Niger’s technical empowerment.
The visit also had a warm, fraternal atmosphere. Minister Tsivilev praised the hospitality of the Nigerien people and the quality of the exchanges with government officials, underscoring the spirit of friendship underpinning this cooperation.
Present at the meeting were ministers responsible for Defence, Energy, Mines, Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives from the Presidential Cabinet and HANEA, highlighting Niger’s strategic commitment to this partnership.
Minister Tsivilev’s visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in Niger-Russia relations, founded on sovereignty, economic self-determination, and solidarity. By focusing on complementary strengths and human resource development, both countries aim to build a balanced, respectful, and mutually beneficial cooperation for the future.
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