Following Government of India (GoI)’s extending grant assistance of US$ 15 million to Government of Niger (GoN) in support of organizing African Union Summit in July 2019 in Niamey, a formal ceremony of handing over the amount to GoN was held today (17 June) at the Office of Mr. Mohamed Saidil Moctar, Minister, Special Advisor to the President of Republic of Niger, and also General Manager of the Agency AU Niger 2019. A symbolic Cheque of US$ 15 million was handed over to H.E. Mrs. Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou, Deputy Foreign Minister of Niger.

In her short address the Deputy Foreign Minister expressed profound gratitude of GoN and its people for India’s active cooperation. She appreciated India’s decision to construct the MGICC and also for extending the grant. She referred to the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre a milestone in India-Niger friendship and a symbol of India’s firm engagement with Niger.

It may be mentioned that GoI had approved US$ 35.484 million for establishment of Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre in Niamey. The construction work is presently going on and the African Union Summit is to be held in this Centre in July 2019. The grant of US$ 15 million is meant to defray part of expenses towards hosting of the forthcoming African Union Summit.

After the ceremony a Press Release has been issued and a copy of the same is attached.

Press Release