The Foreign Ministers of China and Benin met in Beijing on Thursday, marking a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between the two nations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Beninese counterpart Shegun Adjadi Bakari hailed the strengthening ties on the first day of Bakari’s official visit to China.
This meeting follows the successful visit of Beninese President Patrice Talon to China in September. During that visit, leaders from both countries announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, setting the stage for a new era in China-Benin relations.
“China-Benin relations have maintained a high level of development, with mutual political trust and solid progress in various fields of cooperation,” said Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. “China attaches great importance to its relations with Benin and is willing to lead the development of bilateral relations based on the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders.”
Wang emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Benin’s pursuit of a development path suited to its national conditions. He expressed China’s readiness to be a sincere friend and reliable partner for Benin in its modernization efforts.
The two ministers discussed expanding pragmatic cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, culture, and human resources. Wang welcomed Benin’s active participation in implementing global development initiatives, highlighting opportunities for mutual growth.
Bakari expressed Benin’s readiness to work closely with China to implement the important consensus reached by their leaders. “We aim to promote common values, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Benin-China relations to achieve greater development,” he said.
Addressing regional issues, Bakari appreciated China’s efforts in promoting a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, especially the crucial role it played in the adoption of the ceasefire resolution by the UN Security Council. He also indicated Benin’s willingness to strengthen coordination with China in the United Nations Human Rights Council to jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries and promote healthy development of international human rights.
The meeting signifies a deepening of ties between China and Benin, with both countries poised to enhance collaboration across various sectors and contribute to regional stability and development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
