Niamey: Niger is considering the potential construction of a nuclear power plant with the assistance of Russia, as revealed by Nigerien Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare. The minister emphasized that the country is already implementing peaceful atomic technologies in the medical field.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Foreign Minister Sangare conveyed that establishing a nuclear power plant is within Niger's capabilities and is not considered a significant challenge. He highlighted that Niger possesses an institute dedicated to nuclear energetics, reinforcing the country's readiness to explore nuclear energy further.

Niger is currently utilizing nuclear technologies in medicine and has plans to extend their application to agriculture, Sangare noted. The minister also mentioned that Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressed surprise at the competence of Nigerien specialists during his visit to the country in March.

Sangare articulated Niger's ambition to construct a nuclear power plant of reasonable size, which would not only serve Niger but also provide energy to countries within the Sahel Alliance. The foreign minister's visit to Russia on April 3-4 included discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and counterparts from Mali and Burkina Faso.