Ambassador of the Republic of Niger
Please reflect on the achievements of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Niger.
Bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Niger have a long and solid history, with positive prospects of expanding and developing cooperation in the coming decades. Diplomatic relations are strengthened by religion, connecting the two nations. The Kingdom houses two holy sites for Muslims worldwide, thereby connecting people, including Nigeriens, and promoting people-to-people ties.
In addition to diplomatic and people-to-people relations, Saudi Arabia and Niger have initiated a number of trade and economic collaborations. These projects include but are not limited to infrastructure and rural development programs in Niger. I would also like to highlight the Saudi government and organizations’ contribution to developing projects in education and relief through the Saudi Development Fund, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and others.
Since taking office on April 2, 2021, the President of Niger, H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, has sought to strengthen and develop these outstanding ties between the Republic of Niger and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all sectors. As a result, the first Saudi-Niger Joint Commission under leadership of H.E. Mohamed Bazum was held in Riyadh in March 2022 and issues of mutual interest between the two countries were discussed.
I firmly believe that with this solid foundation and ongoing initiatives, the two countries will work to expand cooperation in new, previously unexplored areas.
Back in 2017, during the official visit of President Mahamadou Issoufou to KSA, a number of agreements were signed. How did these agreements contribute to bilateral trade?
In 2017, during the official visit of then President H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou agreements were signed to develop economic, cultural, and security partnerships between the two countries. Among them, I would like to focus on the agreement to expand the Kandaji Dam. The multipurpose project is designed to regulate the flow of the Niger River to provide water for irrigation and human consumption, as well as electricity for the capital Niamey.
The dam is expected to improve agricultural production, food security, and living conditions of local communities, restore and preserve river ecosystems. Thus, the successful completion of the project will create investment opportunities for the Saudi private sector, especially in agriculture and renewable energy production.
Africa Agenda 2063 and Saudi Vision 2030. How can these groundbreaking transformation plans contribute to achieving the goals of each initiative?
Africa Agenda 2063 embodies Africa’s aspirations for the future and defines key programs that can accelerate Africa’s economic growth and development, leading to the rapid transformation of the entire continent. It is a strategic framework for the continent to achieve its inclusive and sustainable development goal and is a concrete embodiment of the pan-African aspiration for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity.
On the other hand, Saudi Vision 2030 is the first step toward achieving Saudi Arabia’s economic goals by transforming the lives of its citizens. Based on the country’s domestic strengths, the Kingdom aims to use its strategic position to strengthen its role as an integral driver of international trade and connect the three continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe, thereby creating a more diverse and sustainable economy.
As can be seen, the African Agenda 2063 and the Saudi Vision 2030 are sources of renewed economic growth and social progress, offering people-centred development and youth empowerment. Moreover, these two milestone initiatives create new opportunities for development and investment in agribusiness, infrastructure development, health, IT, and education for the global community.
Diplomatic Quarter is a unique concept that houses most foreign missions and embassies in the Kingdom. In your opinion, how does this concept contribute to diplomacy and multilateral relations?
The concept of the Diplomatic Quarter is great for facilitating diplomatic communication, reducing distances, and enabling cooperation between diplomatic missions accredited to the Kingdom. This is from the professional point of view. At the same time, this allocation of foreign missions allows for communication, an essential value. This communication between representatives of different cultures and traditions leads to a new knowledge, understanding, and tolerance. Therefore, I must certainly praise DQ’s concept and mastermind.
