By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Beijing and Benin Republic on Saturday signed a Memorandum of understanding for a partial forgiveness of debts owed by Benin to China as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties.
The Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang had on Saturday visited Cotonou, the country’s capital where he was received by the president, Guillaume Athanase Talon.
Gang’s visit follows recent celebrations of 50 years of cooperation between the two countries.
His visit also seeks to strengthen economic and industrial ties between the two countries.
The Chinese envoy said his visit was to “identify more fields of action.”
“I am thinking for example of infrastructure, agriculture, human resources training, manufacturing and peace and security,” he added.
President Talon also took him on a tour to the town of Glo-Djigbé to observe textile production.
In December 2022 China and Benin celebrated the 50th anniversary of their bilateral cooperation, with this visit signifying the implementation of a new strategy to increase the China’s presence in Benin.
