Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Special Envoy of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, held a high-level meeting with Nigerien President, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, at the State House in Niamey on April 16, 2025.
During the meeting, Kikwete delivered a special message from President Samia, reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to further deepening its cordial and longstanding relations with Niger.
He conveyed the President’s warm greetings and appreciation for the friendship shared between the two nations.
President Samia’s message emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment, and tourism.
Kikwete underscored the potential for both countries to benefit from stronger economic ties and collaborative partnerships.
“Our relations are friendly and full of promise,” Kikwete said. “President Samia believes that by working more closely together, we can unlock greater opportunities that will uplift our people and accelerate development in both countries.”
Drawing on his diplomatic experience, Kikwete also emphasized the broader need for unity and collaboration among African nations.
He noted that African countries should actively share experiences, technical know-how, and policy innovations to make the most of the continent’s abundant natural resources.
“Africa is endowed with immense natural wealth, but to transform it into real development, we must support each other, learn from one another, and build strong intra-African networks of cooperation,” he said.
In response, President Tchiani warmly welcomed the message from President Samia and expressed Niger’s readiness to deepen its engagement with Tanzania.
He praised the longstanding ties between the two nations and echoed the call for closer collaboration, especially in unlocking economic potential through shared initiatives.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation. They agreed to explore new avenues for strengthening ties and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.
Kikwete’s visit forms part of Tanzania’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to foster strong partnerships across the continent, in line with President Samia’s foreign policy vision that places emphasis on African unity and homegrown solutions to shared challenges.