NIAMEY — Upon returning from the annual meetings of the African Development Bank in Nairobi, Niger's Prime Minister, Mahaman Lamine Ali Zeine, who also serves as the Minister of Economy and Finance, summarized Niger's renewed cooperation with the international community during a press briefing at Diori Hamani International Airport.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the meetings were a significant platform for dialogue with both bilateral and multilateral investors and institutions, leading to a successful representation of Niger. "Our country has fully summarized its cooperation with the entire international community," he stated, appreciating all contributors to this achievement despite Niger's financial constraints, which had previously hindered clearing of arrears with various institutions.

Addressing recent diplomatic tensions with Benin, Zeine responded to the Beninese President's remarks regarding Niger's refusal to receive a Beninese minister carrying a message on oil matters. He clarified that the official was indeed received by his Nigerien counterpart and not by President General Abdourahmane Tiani due to a concurrent security meeting. However, the message was taken by the Minister of Health, who is also a CNSP member, on behalf of President Tiani.

Zeine also commented on the ongoing border closure issue with Benin, noting that the Beninese President's claims did not consider the dismissal of Nigerien representatives from the port by Beninese police, despite their official presence.

The briefing was attended by the Ministers of Youth and Sports and Finance, emphasizing the significance of these discussions in Niger's diplomatic and economic strategies.