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Meeting with Nigerien premier not on Putin’s agenda, Kremlin says

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia "undoubtedly continues to develop relations with African nations across the board"

MOSCOW, January 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not planning to meet with Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The media reported earlier that the Nigerien head of government is set to visit Russia.

"A meeting [with Niger’s PM] is not on the president’s agenda, so I recommend that you contact the [Russian] Foreign Ministry on the issue," Peskov told reporters.

According to him, Russia "undoubtedly continues to develop relations with African nations across the board." The Russian presidential spokesman described the Russia-Africa summit, which was hosted by St. Petersburg last summer, as "quite resultative." "The implementation of understandings, agreements and the general disposition toward enhancing bilateral relationships is ongoing," Peskov concluded.

Mondafrique reported earlier that, on Monday, Zeine set off for a tour of Iran, Russia, Serbia and Turkey, accompanied by the ministers of defense, petroleum, sports, commerce and other senior officials. Niger’s new government intends to diversify partnerships in defense, agriculture and energy and develop relations in the trading of oil and medical equipment.

In late July, a group of military rebels in Niger announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. The mutineers then established the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (known by its French abbreviation CNSP, for Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie), headed by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, to run the country. Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded that the rebels release Bazoum and warned about the possibility of a military resolution of the situation if he was not released.

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