The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Corinne Amori Brunet, Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Cotonou today to discuss shared priorities related to bilateral cooperation, economic growth, democratic governance and regional security in West Africa.
Minister Anand congratulated Minister Amori Brunet on her recent appointment and highlighted the robust and growing partnership between Canada and Benin, noting the importance of sustained diplomatic dialogue in addressing contemporary global and regional challenges.
The ministers underlined the official opening of the Embassy of Canada to Benin as a demonstration of the importance Canada places on the bilateral relationship. The ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding to hold regular bilateral consultations to further expand relations between the two countries.
During their meeting, the two ministers discussed multilateral collaboration and diplomatic channels for advancing regional stability and democratic governance across West Africa. They also discussed ways to deepen economic ties and promote sustainable development in the context of Canada's Africa Strategy, which reflects a shift toward more ambitious and mutually beneficial partnerships built on respect, shared interests, and shared leadership.
Minister Anand and Minister Brunet agreed to continue consultations to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries and advance shared objectives on the international stage.
