PARIS, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- France announced on Tuesday the official closure of its embassy in Niger until further notice.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in a press release, cited significant obstacles faced by the Embassy of France in Niger over the past "five months," hindering its normal operations.
The ministry said that the embassy would continue performing its functions from Paris and maintaining connection with French nationals in Niger, while consular activities would be carried out by other French consulates in the region.
Following the deterioration of diplomatic ties, France has suspended visa issuance and evacuated citizens, and Niger has closed its airspace to all French-registered aircraft. ■
