ALGIERS, Algeria (SCANS) — President of the Republic of Niger and Head of State General Abdourahamane Tiani arrived in Algiers on Sunday for a scheduled fraternal and working visit, where he was formally received by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algerian officials said.
Tiani landed at Houari Boumediene International Airport in the Algerian capital Sunday afternoon, where Tebboune welcomed him and his delegation in an official reception that underscored efforts to revive and deepen ties between the two Sahel neighbours.
The visit, set to continue through Monday, follows formal invitations and preparatory statements issued by the Algerian presidency, which described the talks as an opportunity to reinforce decades-old “fraternity and cooperation” and to explore expanded political, economic and security collaboration.
Shortly after arrival, the two leaders held bilateral talks at a VIP lounge in Algiers International Airport, according to Algerian state media. Discussions are expected to focus on regional stability, cross-border security, trade and shared infrastructure projects.
The scheduled visit comes at a moment of gradual diplomatic rapprochement between Algiers and Niamey after tensions that had strained relations in recent years. Algeria had ordered the return of its ambassador to Niger earlier this month and received the Nigerien ambassador in Algiers, signalling a thaw in ties.
Algeria and Niger share a long border across the Sahara and have historic ties rooted in trade and pastoral exchanges. Their relationship was tested amid broader regional instability, particularly following Mali’s disputes with Algeria and the diplomatic rift involving the Alliance of Sahel States, of which Niger is a member.
In the energy sector, the countries have discussed reviving cooperation on major projects, including the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a multibillion-dollar initiative that aims to link West Africa’s hydrocarbon resources to North African and European markets. Algerian and Nigerien officials held preliminary talks on these topics earlier this year.
The visit is also seen by regional observers as part of Algeria’s broader strategy to reassert diplomatic influence in the Sahel and foster collaborative solutions to security challenges posed by armed groups operating across porous borders.
