15 June 2022
Following an invitation from the President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of the Economy, Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs Franz Fayot paid an official visit to the Republic of Niger on 5 and 6 June 2022.
Niger is a priority country for Luxembourg’s foreign policy and has been for more than 30 years. While development cooperation used to occupy a prominent place in Luxembourg’s bilateral relations with Niger, Luxembourg’s action in Niger is now the flagship example of its “3D” policy – combining the tools of diplomacy, development, and defence.
On the second day of their visit, the ministers went to Ouallam, where the Luxembourg Red Cross Humanitarian Aid teams are assisting 1,950 displaced, returnee, refugee, and host households. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerien and Danish Red Crosses. It aims to improve the humanitarian living conditions of the most vulnerable populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters, notably through the provision of shelters, latrines, and hygiene kits.
“The Luxembourg Red Cross has been supporting displaced people in Niger for years with its infrastructure and know-how,” explains Rémi Fabbri, director of Humanitarian Aid at the Luxembourg Red Cross, who accompanied the visit as a delegate.