Niger says relations with China most important

Niger's Cooperation Minister Bazoum Mohamed said on Sunday that cooperation with China had become more strong, and in this regard, China was "the most important partner in the country's international relations."

Mohamed, who is also the chairman of the ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), was speaking at the PNDS headquarters in Niamey after meeting with a delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has been in the country to reinforce cooperation between the two political formations.

"In the area of non-repayable loans, you are the first among all the countries cooperating with Niger. Taken individually as a country, you are the most important partner for Niger," the PNDS chairman told the CPC delegation.

He used the occasion to highlight the multiple accomplishments by China for the benefits of Niger and its people, and further appealed for strengthening of ties between the two countries as well as the two political parties.

Some of the projects cited by Mohamed include the completion of Seyni Kountche stadium in Niamey, the second bridge on River Niger, the ongoing construction of a national referral hospital, a 4-star hotel and the third bridge in Niamey.

In addition, the minister said, China's involvement in the oil drilling and refinery will have a huge impact on the Nigerien economy.

The minister also expressed welcome to the involvement of Chinese companies in uranium mining and the arrival of many Chinese companies to invest in different sectors in the African country.