Niger welcomes the Russian language and culture to its native land

Niger and Russia, on a mission to strengthen their relationship, have decided to collaborate on the establishment of a non-governmental organization. This NGO is intended to strengthen cooperation between the Russian and Niger people. Earlier in the year, a similar initiative was launched with the intent to bring the Russian language to the West African country.

A report by the Russian news publication Sputnik revealed that in a bid to strengthen their relationship, Niger and Russia have partnered on the formation of a non-governmental organization.

On that note, a ceremony was put in place in Niamey, the capital city of Niger, to launch the initiative. The NGO, Ensemble main dans la main Niger-Russie, which translates to "Together hand in hand Niger-Russia," aims to bring the people of Russia and Niger closers.

According to the event organizers, the NGO's primary function is outside administrative ties but instead intended to bolster the relationship between the Niger and the Russian people through science, education, arts, sports, culture, and development.

"In recent years, interest in Russia and Niger has grown multiple times. Now is the time to take specific steps and bring the peoples of Niger and Russia closer together," one of the NGO founders relayed to Sputnik.

In March, Niger inaugurated the Center for Russian Language and Culture "Russian Space" in its capital city. This was a project completed by the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) in partnership with the Russian government.

The statement released in light of the center's launch reads; "The center sets itself ambitious goals, including the development of educational programs for children and adults studying the Russian language, conducting scientific, methodological and educational events, as well as educational work."

The project was well received by students and teachers of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, who seemed eager to learn more about Russia, particularly its language.