Question: Who is the president of the Republic of Niger?
(a) Mahamadou Issoufou
(b) Jacob Zuma
(c) Paul Kagame
(d) Emmerson Mnangagwa
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited Niamey, Republic of Niger from 20-21 January 2020.
Main highlights of his visit:
- During the visit, the President of Niger (Mahamadou Issoufou) with Dr. S Jaishankar jointly inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) on 21st January 2020.
- MGICC is the first centre to be established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019.
- The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa.
- The Convention Centre has been designed as a spacious, modern and eco-friendly facility, including a 2000 capacity Plenary Hall, to witness high-level and wide-ranging participation from AU Member States and other high level Conventions.
- The construction of MGICC was completed in record time by M/s Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited. M/s NBCC, a Govt of India undertaking, were the project management consultant for the project.
- During his stay in Niamey, EAM also called on Prime Minister of Niger Brigi Rafini and held discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues with his, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration of Niger.
India and Niger relations:
- India and Niger has close relations. Bilateral relations have expanded significantly in the recent years.
- India has provided Lines of Credit to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water.
- Several hundreds of officials from Niger have utilized India’s capacity building training programmes under ITEC programme.
- India has also extended assistance to Niger in support of organizing the African Union (AU) summit held in Niamey on 7-8 July, 2019.