The seventh session of the Bénin–Morocco Joint Cooperation Commission concluded in Cotonou on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. Hosted at the Ministry of Economy and Finance headquarters, the meeting underscored the robust and evolving partnership between the two nations.
Strategic priorities and shared ambitions
Co-chaired by Corinne Amori Brunet, Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Afrodescendant Integration, and Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Overseas Moroccans, the session highlighted progress achieved while stressing the need to deepen and diversify cooperation. Bourita praised Benin’s democratic maturity and economic performance, positioning the country as a rising star in West Africa. He emphasized aligning bilateral cooperation with national priorities to maximize impact, urging greater private sector involvement to boost trade, investment, and sustainable development.
Addressing regional security concerns, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s unwavering solidarity with Benin, condemning terrorism and advocating for a tolerant interpretation of Islam. Echoing these sentiments, Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance, called for strategic partnerships across key sectors. While acknowledging that trade exchanges remain below potential, he outlined opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, industry, digital innovation, and infrastructure.
14 landmark agreements signed
At the close of the session, both nations formalized 14 cooperation agreements spanning diverse fields:
- Customs: Mutual administrative assistance agreement.
- Education: Framework agreement for higher education, scientific research, and innovation.
- Justice: Judicial cooperation conventions, including extradition and prisoner transfers.
- Security: Security cooperation accord and civil protection financial modalities.
- Health: Protocol on food safety collaboration.
- Professional development: Framework for vocational training and academic exchanges.
- Sports: Memorandum of understanding on sports training.
- Tourism: Tourism development partnership convention.
- Environment: Environmental sustainability and sustainable development memorandum.
A vision for inter-African solidarity
Minister Bourita framed the partnership as a model for African solidarity, rooted in shared development goals. Both sides reiterated their commitment to fostering economic resilience, technical exchange, and inclusive growth, setting the stage for future collaborations that prioritize mutual prosperity and regional stability.
