(MENAFN- AzerNews)
terrorism is 'main source of instability in Sahel region,' Hakan
Fidan says during news conference in West African country's capital
Niamey.
Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday said that
during a recent visit to Niger, he discussed the fight against
terrorism, "which is the main source of instability in the Sahel
region."
"We discussed what could be done to advance the defense industry
and intelligence capacity within the framework of counterterrorism
in Niger, as we have done in Somalia.
"We also discussed what steps we will take against terrorism,
which is the main source of instability in the Sahel region," Fidan
told reporters in the Nigerien capital Niamey.
Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Energy and
Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, National
Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalin and other officials
were also present at the news conference.
Noting that Türkiye maintains embassies in 44 out of 54 African
countries, Fidan said: "Our partnership policy with Africa is
progressing and becoming more institutionalized every day. Our
joint efforts with African countries in areas such as diplomacy,
economy, finance, security, defense, education, and health are
intensifying."
Fidan underlined that Türkiye's historical ties with Niger date
back to the time of the Ottoman Empire and that Turkish officials
have been working in recent years to place bilateral ties on more
structural footing.
"As we develop our relations with Africa, we are implementing
initiatives that prioritize the benefit and welfare of the local
people, our brothers.
"Peace, security, and stability in Africa are also among our
priorities. As you know, the problems of instability and terrorism
in the Sahel region have become increasingly chronic," he
added.
Fidan said they discussed many issues including
counterterrorism, education, energy, health, trade, security, and
defense while in the West African nation. He added that as a
delegation, they met with Nigerian Prime Minister Zeine, ministers,
and heads of institutions.
They also held three working groups, where detailed discussions
on foreign policy, security, defense, energy and mining, economy,
and trade took place, said the Turkish foreign minister.
Fidan added that they were received by Abdourahamane Tchiani,
Niger's president of the national council for the safeguard of the
homeland.
They evaluated the outcomes of the meetings, and agreed on a
series of joint steps, he said.
Stressing that Ankara's policy is to share its counterterrorism
experience with friendly nations, Fidan underlined that terrorism
was one of the major problems faced by Africans.
"We evaluated how to further advance activities in the fields of
education and health, such as the Friendship Hospital and Maarif
Schools scholarships.
"We also discussed enhancing cooperation in the areas of economy
and finance. Various topics were addressed, including increasing
the number of Turkish investors, contracting services, and
strengthening the contractual basis of trade," he said.
Noting that they had productive discussions on the issues of
energy and mining, Fidan said they agreed to develop cooperation
and increase investments.
"We will systematically follow up on the decisions made. The
issues scheduled on the agenda will be implemented in coordination
with our relevant ministries and institutions. I hope our visit
will be beneficial for both countries," he said.
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