Following his visit to Niger, Benin's new president, Romuald Wadagni, traveled to Burkina Faso yesterday, Tuesday, June 2nd. He was welcomed at Ouagadougou airport by his Burkinabé counterpart, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. After military honors and the playing of the national anthems, the two heads of state proceeded to the Koulouba Palace. There, they conducted an in-depth review of bilateral relations as well as key issues of sub-regional, African, and international interest.

Strengthening cooperation between neighboring states in the face of terrorism

On the bilateral level, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and deepening cooperation between their countries. They emphasized the need to build a renewed partnership based on trust, mutual respect, solidarity, and the pursuit of concerted solutions to common challenges. In this regard, and addressing the security situation in the sub-region, the two heads of state stressed the urgent need to strengthen cooperation, solidarity, and consultation among neighboring states in the face of common threats, including terrorism, transnational organized crime, and all forms of violent extremism.

They reaffirmed their determination to work together for peace, stability and sustainable development in the West African region.

To encourage economic exchanges and cross-investments for the benefit of economic operators in both countries

They also exchanged views on the main challenges facing the African continent and the international community. In particular, they discussed the situation in the Sahel and the Great Lakes region and reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, dialogue, and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving crises.

On economic matters, the two heads of state welcomed the potential and promising prospects for cooperation in the areas of trade, industry, crafts, technical and vocational training, transport infrastructure, logistics, and investment promotion. They agreed to encourage economic exchanges and cross-investments for the benefit of businesses and the people of both countries.

Strengthening cooperation in transit facilitation, transport and logistics

Recognizing the strategic role of the Port of Cotonou in supplying Burkina Faso and the importance of smooth transport corridors for the economies of both countries, Wadagni and Traoré reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in facilitating transit, transport, and logistics. The two heads of state expressed their conviction that the visit on June 2nd would mark a significant step in revitalizing and strengthening the partnership between Burkina Faso and Benin, serving shared prosperity, regional stability, African integration, and the well-being of their people.