[ecr]

On a working visit to Niger, Arkab conveyed to Zeine Mahaman "the brotherly greetings of the Prime Minister, Nadir Larbaoui,” and Niger’s PM in turn asked him to convey "his fraternal greetings and esteem to his Algerian counterpart,” said the source.

In this regard, Zeine Mahaman expressed his country's willingness to boost bilateral cooperation relations, particularly in the field of energy, "including the hydrocarbons sector, which is one of the most promising areas of cooperation between Algeria and Niger, given Algeria's expertise and know-how in this field and Niger’s natural resource,” according to the same source.

The two sides welcomed "the encouraging results" achieved on the Kafra Block (northern Niger), affirming their commitment to relaunching the project, working together to bring together all the conditions required to achieve the desired objectives, and supporting the Republic of Niger in its efforts to become one of Africa's oil producers, according to the Ministry's press release.

In the same context, Arkab underlined the Sonatrach Group's readiness to support the Niger company SONIDEP in developing its hydrocarbon capacities across the entire value chain, as well as in training and developing the skills of its employees.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project. In this respect, "both parties stressed the importance of this project at regional, African and international levels, and its role in socio-economic development."[/ecr]