Niger

China is willing to expand cooperation with Niger in such areas as healthcare, infrastructure construction, energy and transportation, President Xi Jinping said when meeting with Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou.

As good friends and partners, China and Niger should maintain close contacts, enhance communication over governance and development experience, and continue to offer firm support for each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns, Xi said.

China supports West African countries' efforts to strengthen interconnectivity and firmly supports Niger's efforts to safeguard national safety and stability, Xi added.

Issoufou said China has made great contributions to the progress of human civilization, and the past four decades have witnessed significant economic and social development in China.

His country admires and congratulates China's brilliant achievements under Xi's leadership, he said.

He also said Niger is ready to deepen cooperation with China in such areas as trade and economy, energy and security, as well as maintaining close contacts and coordination in major African and global affairs.