Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA Meets President of Niger
 
Bamako, 9 March 2015 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, visited Niamey yesterday. He met with the President of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou. The President is also a member of the International Mediation Team for the Algiers peace talks. During his visit Mr. Hamdi also met with Prime Minister Brigi Rafini and with Toure Aminatou Maiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens Abroad. The objective of the visit was to further consult on the peace process in Mali.
 
"I thanked President Mahamadou Issoufou for his personal commitment to the Algiers peace talks," said SRSG Hamdi, adding that peace and security in Mali is a very important issue for Niger, being a neighbour and friend of Mali, as well as for the entire region and the international community as a whole.
 
Mr. Hamdi praised the efforts undertaken by President Mahamadiu Issoufou and his government as part of the demarches to finalize the initialing of the agreement and have it signed by all parties as soon as possible.
 
Mr.  Hamdi also reiterated that "even if this agreement is not perfect, it's a very strong base to further build the future of Mali." He urged all parties to seize this historic opportunity for lasting peace and stability as this is the only way to end the Malian crisis.