Bénin and Togo deepen ties with new era of strategic partnership

The Bénin Presidency recently highlighted a diplomatic working visit conducted on June 3rd as part of the first regional tour led by the new President. Meanwhile, the Togolese Presidency confirmed that Romuald Wadagni’s trip to Lomé was made at the invitation of Faure Gnassingbé, Chair of the Togolese Council of Ministers. What stands out is the shared ambition of both nations to redefine their cooperation moving forward.

This brief but significant visit underscored the long-standing bonds of friendship, solidarity, and exemplary cooperation that have long defined Bénin-Togo relations. A joint statement released at the conclusion of the presidential meeting emphasized the leaders’ commitment to elevating their strategic partnership for the benefit of both populations.

Both heads of state celebrated the deep-rooted ties of neighborliness, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence between their peoples. They reiterated their resolve to strengthen collaboration across all shared priority areas, reinforcing mutual trust and stability.

Faure Gnassingbé and Romuald Wadagni emphasized the critical role of sustained political dialogue as the cornerstone of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and mutual confidence between the two neighboring nations.

During discussions on economic relations, the leaders welcomed the steady growth in trade exchanges between Togo and Bénin. They agreed to redouble efforts to modernize infrastructure, streamline cross-border trade, attract private investment, and enhance economic synergies between the two countries.

On security matters, both leaders expressed deep concern over the persistent and expanding threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime in West Africa. They affirmed their determination to deepen security cooperation, including through intensified intelligence sharing and joint border security initiatives.

At the close of his short stay in Lomé, Romuald Wadagni extended an official invitation to Faure Gnassingbé—the region’s longest-serving leader—to undertake a state visit to Bénin. The details of the trip, including timing, will be determined through diplomatic channels. Notably, Faure Gnassingbé has not visited Bénin during the past decade under Patrice Talon’s presidency.