Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, met with a high-level Belgian delegation on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The delegation was led by Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot.
Following the meeting, Prévot stated that his visit to the central Sahel countries was driven by conviction. He emphasized the need to find a path toward a “virtuous dialogue” to renew relations with the European Union and its member states.
He described Belgium as a reliable partner in cooperation with Niger for over 55 years, expressing a continued will to support the populations in their prosperity and to work toward stability and security.
Prévot acknowledged that Niger’s sovereignty must be respected and is not being questioned.
He noted that while there are points of divergence on issues of governance and human rights—which he said are foundational to the European project—the maturity of the diplomatic relationship allows for respectful expression and a focus on points of convergence.
He affirmed that the European Union remains engaged in the Sahel to find solutions with respect and mutual benefit.
76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (#RC76AFRO) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Niger Honored with the Election of the Minister of Public Health and Hygiene as First Vice-President of the Session
Source: Le Sahel