Nigeria and the Niger Niger Republic on Wednesday signed a communiqué aimed at reviving and strengthening cooperation between the two countries through the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission.

The communiqué was signed by foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar and his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Sangaré.

Mr Tuggar announced this in a statement following his working visit to Niamey, the capital of Niger.

He explained that the meeting focused on discussions examining the challenges facing both countries and addressed major issues at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels.

According to Mr Tuggar, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic and security cooperation.

The two ministers also deliberated on various issues of mutual interest aimed at fostering closer relations between the people and governments of Niger and Nigeria.

They reiterated the importance of continued joint efforts to counter terrorism along their shared border and agreed to maintain collaboration between their respective defence ministries.

The ministers also reviewed ongoing joint infrastructure projects, including the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic project, to enhance regional integration.

Additionally, they agreed to expand cooperation across socio-political, economic, scientific, and cultural spheres, consolidate existing gains, and revitalise the NNJC.

A proposal was also made to establish a Joint Consultative Forum to facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders from both countries, addressing shared challenges and opportunities.

(NAN)