Peace and Security
President of Niger Welcomes UPF
Written by Dr. Paterne Zinsou, Secretary General, UPF-West Africa
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Niamey, Niger—The President of the Republic of Niger, H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, received on June 16, 2018, the delegation of UPF’s founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, led by Dr. Thomas Walsh. Held at the Palace of the Presidential Residence, the meeting lasted about 45 minutes and was very friendly. Also attending were Hon. Kassoum Maiga, first vice-president of IAPP-Niger, Minister-Colonel Abdul Ramane Seydou, FFWPU-Niger leader Mr. Anara Zéinoudine, and several government ministers.
After photos were taken, Hon. Kassoum presented the delegation to President Issoufou. He reported that the previous day the highest authorities of the nation, led by the prime minister, participated in the launching ceremony of IAPP. After thanking the president, UPF Chairman Dr. Walsh presented a packet and Memo of Understanding outlining projects to help and support the leaders of African countries to achieve the goals of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values. After his explanation, he introduced me to President Issifou to present some specific points. I handed him the packet prepared for the occasion to him. Given the importance and significance of the occasion, he asked that this ceremony be covered by the media. Thus the minister-director of the Cabinet called on the journalists of the national television network to film the delivery of the documents of Projects to the President of the Republic.
H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou thanked Dr. Moon for her great interest and love for the development of the African continent in general and for Niger in particular. He praised the Africa Summit held in Dakar in January. He explained his new program of "Cultural Renaissance" and his vision for the modernization of economy and politics for Niger. His vision is very similar to that of UPF. He said that he fully supports the vision of the Founder and is willing to work together with UPF for the realization of all projects.
The president was very interested in agricultural projects, education, the promotion of family values, health, infrastructure, well drilling and all the other projects for which he hopes for a very active cooperation. Informed of possible future Africa Summits and events in February 2019 in South Korea, President Issoufou expressed interest in participating in these meetings.
After the meeting with the president, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Niger and UPF was signed. The Memo of Understanding outlines collaborative programs as a follow-up to January’s Africa Summit that include supporting IAPP, IADP, Peace Road, character education programs, and other initiatives. The two parties exchanged the official agreement and partnership document during a very simple ceremony in the meeting room of the prime minister's office.
The National Assembly offered a gala dinner to thank Dr. Moon and the UPF delegation on the evening of June 16. Held in the garden of the National Assembly, it was attended by government ministers and vice-presidents, members of the National Assembly, Ambassadors for Peace, and other dignitaries. The gala evening was graced by performances of a national band. IAPP-Niger officers received appointments as Ambassadors for Peace on this occasion.
Hon. Kassoum Maiga, president of the organizing committee and first vice-president of IAPP-Niger, thanked Dr. Moon, Dr. Walsh and the delegation on behalf of the president of the National Assembly.
Hon. Kassoum Yacouka Maiga and former Minister-Colonel Abdoul Ramane Seydou were able to mobilize the government of Niger in organizing the program in Niger. Indeed, all the arrangements were made with total national commitment. All the stages of the mission in Niger were a great success.
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