(Adnkronos) – Niger – an African migration hub facing diverse security threats at its borders – is vital for the stability of the Sahel region, foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday during a visit.
“Niger is a crucial country for stability, the fight against terrorism, arms trafficking, and illegal immigration,” Tajani said during talks in Niamey with Nigerien premier Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
Italy is the only Western country that still has a military mission in Niger, while aid projects worth some 94 million euros are currently underway in the impoverished country, according to foreign ministry figures.
“It is crucial to sustain this friendship with Niger to ensure regional stability,” said Tajani.
Italy wants to curb illegal immigration to Europe (via the Sahel and North and West Africa), Tajani said.
“But we are in favour of increasing legal immigration,” he stated.
Italy “needs skilled labour and we are ready to welcome foreign workers,” Tajani underlined.
In a sign of Italy’s strong commitment to the Sahel’s stability and economic development, it wants to organise a meeting of countries from the key region – including Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali – in the next few months, Tajani said ahead of a three-day visit to West Africa which wraps up in Niger on Thursday.
Italy “wants to play a leading role in Niger,” Tajani told Rome-based Il Messaggero newspaper.
