In the afternoon of May 28, 2019, Premier Li Keqiang met with President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, who was paying a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People.

Li Keqiang spoke positively of the progress in the relations and cooperation between China and Niger. He said, Niger is China's important cooperation partner in Africa. President Xi Jinping will hold talks with Mr. President to make a plan for the future development of China-Niger relations. The Chinese side is willing to work together with the Nigerien side to deepen political mutual trust and strengthen the synergy of development strategies on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, thus making China-Niger friendly cooperation a model for China-Africa relations.

Li Keqiang pointed out that China and Niger, as two developing countries, are willing to learn from each other and choose a development path that suits respective national conditions. The Chinese side, following market rules and business principles and adhering to the open, green and sustainable development, will enhance cooperation with the Nigerien side in such fields as infrastructure construction, energy, agriculture and medical care and health, to better achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China will support competent Chinese enterprises to take part in Niger's domestic construction and hopes that the Nigerien side will strengthen security protection for them. The Chinese side is willing to continue providing support and aid for the Nigerien side within its own capacity to help Niger's economic and social development and livelihood improvement. The Chinese side is glad to see that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement will be launched soon and also supports Africa's integration process.

Mahamadou Issoufou congratulated on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and expressed admiration for the huge development achievements of China's reform and opening up. He said that now China has set off on a new journey and is bound to achieve its goals. The Nigerien side speaks highly of Niger-China relations, firmly upholds the One-China principle, and is willing to actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. Niger is willing to deepen relations and cooperation with China in various fields and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, so as to boost bilateral relations and Africa-China relations for robust development.

He Lifeng attended the meeting.