Niger: French President, Hollande, arrives in Niamey

Niamey, Niger (PANA) – The French president, François Hollande, arrived in Niamey on Friday for a one-day state visit to Niger, devoted to cooperation and security in the Sahel region.

Leading a high-powered delegation, President Hollande is making his first visit to Niger since he came to power in 2011.

On his arrival at the Diori Hamani international airport, he was received by President Issoufou Mahamadou.

During his stay, President Hollande will, among other things, hold talks with President Issoufou and sign conventions with the Nigerien government.

France, Niger’s first trade partner, support the African country in the domains of security, health, training, communications, culture, agriculture, environment, education and public finances.

In an editorial entitled "The friend of Niger and Africa", the governmental weekly magazine, Sahel-Dimanche, writes: “Beyond the protocol, the visit is the mark of friendship and esteem which the French people and government devote to Niger, its democracy and governors, as well as its people”.
-0- PANA SA/BEH/MSA/VAO 18July2014