Chinese Ambassador to Niger Jiang Feng met with Nigerien Defense Minister Gen. Salifou Mody at his office on Saturday.

The diplomat congratulated the defense chief on his appointment to the key position.

The Nigerien Defense Ministry's general secretary, Gen. Sani Issa Kache, and the head of the ministry's foreign relations department, Hamadou Djibo Barte, also participated in the talks, according to the Nigerien Press Agency.

China and Niger have been working closely together in the defense sector, such as training personnel and procuring and delivering military equipment, according to the report.

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The meeting is taking place amid nationwide rallies held in support of the military in Niger amid calls for the withdrawal of French troops stationed in the country. 

Protesters gathered today near a French military base after several civic organizations issued the call for the withdrawal of French troops from the country.

Earlier today, Nigerien news agency ANP reported that a Nigerien court has ordered the expulsion of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte following a petition from the country's post-coup authorities.

The Nigerien Foreign Ministry said Thursday that Ambassador Itte's diplomatic immunity had been revoked and that the police had been ordered to expel him.

Later that day, Europe1 broadcaster reported that the Nigerien police had increased their presence outside the French embassy.

In the petition filed on Friday, the authorities stated that Ambassador Itte's diplomatic card and visa were canceled because he had been declared persona non grata and did not leave the country within the prescribed 48 hours.

This makes his continued stay in Niger illegal.

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