I. Bilateral political relations

The People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Niger established diplomatic relations on July 20, 1974. On June 19, 1992, the Transitional Government of Niger announced “the resumption of diplomatic relations” with the Taiwan authorities. On July 30, 1992, the Chinese government announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Niger. On August 19, 1996, the diplomatic relations between the two countries were resumed. Since then, bilateral relations have been rapidly restored and developed. In September 2024, China and Niger established a strategic partnership.

Since July 2023, there have been important visits between the two sides. Notably, Prime Minister Lamine Zeine visited China in September 2024 to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

II. Bilateral economic and trade relations and economic and technical cooperation

Between 1974 and 1992, China undertook various projects in Niger, including agricultural cooperation, the Téra Water Reservoir, well-drilling works, reclamation area project, and General Seyni Kountché Stadium. After the resumption of diplomatic relations in 1996, China completed additional projects such as the regulator project in N’Dounga, social housing construction, the municipal water supply project in Zinder, the General Reference Hospital of Niamey, construction and extension project of the Second Bridge over the Niger River, and construction project of the Third Bridge over the Niger River. In recent years, China and Niger have also made positive progress in mutually beneficial cooperation in energy and resources sector.

The two countries have signed an economic and trade cooperation agreement and established a Mixed Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, which has convened six meetings. In 2023, bilateral trade volume between China and Niger reached 636 million USD, with China exporting 324 million USD and importing 311 million USD. From January to September 2024, bilateral trade volume reached 632 million USD, marking a year-on-year increase of 17%, with China’s exports totaling 160 million USD and imports reaching 472 million USD.

III. Cooperation in other fields

China and Niger have signed agreements on cultural and educational cooperation. Since 1978, China has provided scholarship to Nigerien students. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 256 Nigerien students studied in China, including 103 on Chinese government scholarships.

The two countries also signed an agreement on China dispatching medical teams to Niger. Since 1976, China has sent medical personnel to Niger, with the first batch consisting of 29 medical professionals. By 1992, eight batches had been dispatched. After the restoration of diplomatic relations, China resumed sending medical teams in December 1996. Currently, the 24th batch, which arrived in Niger in June 2024, is working at the General Reference Hospital of Niamey.

In August 2010, China Radio International launched FM broadcasting services in Maradi, Zinder, and Agadez of Niger.

In August 2018, China and Niger signed the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, which came into effect on December 15, 2018.

Niger has an Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong.

IV. Major Bilateral Agreements and Documents

Joint Communique between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Niger on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations (signed on July 20, 1974);

Joint Communique between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Niger on the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations (signed on August 19, 1996);

Memorandum of Understanding between the the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Niger on Cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (signed on May 28, 2019).