Ahmad 
Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zein, arrived in the Russian capital Moscow on his first foreign visit outside the African continent since becoming prime minister.
Speaking to the Russian news agency Novosti last December, the Prime Minister of Niger praised the cooperation between Niger and Russia, saying: “Once again, it must be said that Niger and Russia are cooperating again, and we are trying to move forward in all areas of economy and security,” adding that Russian weapons have helped Blah effectively confront armed groups and that his country is willing to strengthen cooperation with Russia.
It should be noted that Ali Lamine Zein assumed the premiership after the formation of the military council in Niger, which was established following the coup against the former president, Mohamed Bazoum, and Zein was appointed in August 2023 to head the government.
Zain is an experienced figure who held important positions at the African Development Bank and served as Minister of Economy and Finance in the government of President Mahamadou Tanga between 2003 and 2010. His visit to Moscow reflects Niger’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Russia and develop bilateral relations.