Rwanda Resolves to Reinforce Relations with Benin
Heads of Both Countries Discuss Strengthening Ties During Visit of President of Benin Patrice Talon
September 12th, 2016
The presidents of Rwanda and Benin have agreed that constant, dynamic development leading to mutual profit is the priority for the coming years. President Paul Kagame has been receiving President Patrice Talon in Kigali since Monday 29th August. The first day finished with a state dinner in honour of his guest at the Kigali Convention Center. The visit of the leader of Benin will last three days. So far, several declarations form both sides have been made.
The main focus of the visit of President Patrice Talon is to develop a strong, reliable alliance with Rwanda. During the reception on August 29th both sides committed to intensifying efforts to develop the international dialogue in order to plan actions to increase bilateral gains. Rwanda and Benin have a rich history of successful collaborative initiatives. They are aiming to continue the cooperation to create favourable conditions to found a profitable economic and cultural exchange, leading to prosperity of the two nations. The next step is the implementation of developments such as flights by RwandAir to Cotonou, Benin.
“As you probably may have heard, RwandAir will soon begin flights to Cotonou. This definitely represents good cooperation, which we can continue to build on. In any case, we should have no excuse for failing to visit one another much more often from now on”, President Kagame said.
The national airline has scheduled three weekly flights to Cotonou, Benin, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with return flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The first departure took place on 2nd September.
Benin’s President expressed his appreciation of Rwanda’s national visa policy which abolishes certain visa requirements for African passport owners. Inspired by this, the President has decided that Benin will now adopt a similar policy.
Both heads of state plan to further discuss their cooperation. Moreover, President Talon is willing to visit the Special Economic Zone in Masoro and the Rwanda Development Board.