Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Openness, Kostas Fragogiannis will participate in a “Team Europe” Ministerial Visit to Niger on February 7 and 8, 2023, as part of Europe’s shared commitment to support African countries, particularly those in the Sahel region.
During the visit, Mr. Fragogiannis will address a Business Forum co-organized by the EU Mission in Niger and the local Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday, February 7, with the goal of exchanging views between investors, entrepreneurs, bankers, and government officials on investment opportunities in the country’s energy, agriculture, livestock, and construction sectors.
Moreover, he will hold political meetings with Niger’s senior government officials, together with French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou and Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Francisco Andre. Education, energy, water management, and agricultural production are among the topics on the agenda.
During his stay in Niger, the Deputy Minister will have bilateral meetings with the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassoumi Massoudou, Minister of Commerce Alkache Alhada, and Minister of Planning Dr. Abdou Rabiou, responsible for infrastructure projects.
It is noted that Niger is an ally of the West, of particular interest to France, and is considered to play a key role in the EU’s Strategy regarding Sahel region. In the context of the “Team Europe Initiatives,” the EU’s activity in the region aims to promote political stability, improve security, and create the necessary conditions for population protection, the development of sustainable economic activities, and the stabilisation of state functions in the country.