On June 2, Cotonou and Niamey reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors during an official visit by Beninese President Romuald Wadagni to Niger, at the invitation of his counterpart, Abdourahamane Tiani.

A joint statement released after the meeting highlighted the leaders’ conviction that political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two nations must be strengthened. They agreed to enhance mutual exchanges, particularly by regularly convening the Niger-Benin Joint Cooperation Commission.

Both Presidents pledged to eliminate all obstacles hindering bilateral cooperation, with a priority on reopening the Benin-Niger border—a long-closed crossing due to past tensions that had stifled human movement and local economic activity.

To translate this political will into action, the two heads of state established an expert committee tasked with identifying these barriers and proposing solutions within 15 days. The committee is required to submit a comprehensive report by the deadline.

The discussions between Wadagni and Tiani, joined by their delegations, unfolded in a warm and constructive atmosphere. They conducted an in-depth review of challenges facing both countries, along with key regional and global issues dominating current affairs.

The Presidents celebrated the “long-standing bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and cooperation” uniting Niger and Bénin, reaffirming their shared goal of revitalizing bilateral ties to meet the aspirations of their peoples for peace, security, and development.

President Wadagni, sworn in on May 24, has prioritized normalizing relations with neighboring countries. He extended an official invitation to President Tiani to visit Bénin at the earliest opportunity.