U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Concludes Two-Day Visit to Niger

US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken (L) with his Nigerien counterpart Hassoumi Massaoudou at the presidential palace in Niamey, March 16, 2023. AFP - BOUREIMA HAMA

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End of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's 48-hour visit to Niger. The head of US diplomacy met with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum before hosting a joint press conference with his counterpart Hassoumi Massaoudou.

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With our correspondent in Niamey, Moussa Kaka

It was a busy day in Niamey for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. After a meeting with his Nigerien counterpart, head for the American embassy. A meeting with repentant Boko Haram youth specially from Lake Chad allowed the head of American diplomacy to immerse himself in the gradual return of peace in this area where more than 500 Boko Haram fighters have laid down their arms.

At the Presidency Palace, a working session extended to delegations from both countries and a tête-à-tête with President Mohamed Bazoum lasted nearly three hours. This is a testament to the quality and strength of relations between the United States and Niger, said Hassoumi Massaoudou, Niger's foreign minister, at a joint press conference.

President @mohamedbazoum and U.S. Secretary of State @ABlinken discuss strengthening the partnership between Niger and the United States. pic.twitter.com/qdMql1vyFr

— Presidency of Niger (@PresidenceNiger) March 16, 2023

According to Antony Blinken, his country supports Niger in its efforts to fight terrorism. $150 million will support Niger in humanitarian and health assistance; This brings all US aid to Niger to more than 1,000 billion CFA francs. Addressing Niger's two neighbouring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, Antony Blinken said: "We must be very clear about the need for your neighbours to return to constitutional and democratic paths.

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Read on on the same topics:

• Niger
• United States
• Mohamed Bazoum