The Emirates News Agency reported that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Patrice Talon of Benin on the occasion of his country’s National Day. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai also sent a similar message. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Vice President Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court dispatched a parallel message of congratulations.
The messages were issued from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday according to the state news agency. They come as Benin marks its independence anniversary an event that has been celebrated annually since the country gained sovereignty in 1960. The UAE has consistently exchanged such greetings with Benin as part of its diplomatic practice with friendly nations the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated in similar past announcements.
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Benin were established in 1974 according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since then the two countries have cooperated in international forums and explored bilateral opportunities in trade and development. The ministry has noted that high-level visits have helped to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two sides.
Benin which is a member of the Economic Community of West African States has pursued economic reforms under President Talon who was first elected in 2016 according to reports from the African Development Bank. The bank has documented progress in Benin’s infrastructure and governance indicators over the past decade. The UAE has positioned itself as a key partner for many African countries through investments and aid a pattern that includes engagement with Benin the African Development Bank assessment found.
In previous years the two countries have discussed potential collaboration in renewable energy and logistics the Emirates News Agency has reported. These areas align with Benin’s development priorities and the UAE’s expertise in those fields. Officials from both nations have met during multilateral conferences to advance mutual interests according to the news agency.
A review by the International Monetary Fund has tracked rising trade flows between Gulf states and West African economies including Benin in its annual reports. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the relationship as built on mutual respect and shared goals in regional stability. The latest messages fit within a long pattern of annual diplomatic correspondence between the two capitals.
