Bénin’s President Romuald Wadagni undertook a working visit to the headquarters of European institutions in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday, 24 June, to lay the groundwork for a modernised partnership between his country and the European Union (EU), designed to address emerging development challenges.
He was received successively by key EU leaders, including European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The working session with António Costa allowed both sides to discuss the main pillars of bilateral cooperation, aiming to give fresh momentum to a relationship built on trust, stability and shared objectives, according to a statement from the Bénin presidency.
Talks between Wadagni and von der Leyen focused on prospects for deepening the EU-Bénin partnership. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating cooperation in several strategic sectors.
They identified three major priorities. The first concerns economic transformation and innovation, with an emphasis on industrialisation, job creation, development of economic corridors around the Port of Cotonou, local processing of agricultural products, and vocational training for young people.
Territorial development and security in northern Bénin constitute the second priority, foreseeing increased support for local communities to combat violent extremism through strengthening basic infrastructure and access to economic opportunities.
The third priority, sustainable finance, is linked to the Global Green Bond Initiative, a mechanism designed to facilitate financing for sustainable infrastructure in renewable energy, transport and agriculture.
The President of the European Commission stressed that “Bénin is a key partner of the European Union in West Africa. It is a relationship based on mutual trust and a desire to improve the quality of life for all.”
For the Bénin presidency, strengthening the partnership also aims to position Bénin as a regional hub for growth, connectivity and investment in West Africa.
