Foreign relations of Benin
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{{More citations needed|date=May 2007}}
{{Politics of Benin}}
After seizing power in the 1972 coup d'état, Major Mathieu Kérékou declared the People's Republic of Benin a Marxist-Leninist state and sought financial support from communist governments in Eastern Europe and Asia. To distance the modern state from its colonial past, the country became the People's Republic of Benin in 1975. However, Benin dropped the socialist ideology in 1989 following pressure from creditors and domestic unrest related to economic hardship.
In recent years Benin has strengthened ties with France, the former colonial power, as well as the United States and the main international lending institutions. Benin has also adopted a mediating role in the political crises in Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Togo and provided a contribution to the United Nations force in Haiti, all of which were indications of the country's growing confidence in the international community. Some of the allies of Benin are France, India, US, UK, Netherlands, Ghana, and China.
Diplomatic relations
List of countries which Benin maintains diplomatic relations with:
Bilateral relations
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| style="width:15%;" | Sovereign state
! style="width:12%;" | Formal Relations Began !Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| {{Flag|Algeria}}
|7 November 1964 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 November 1964 when Algeria's first Ambassador to Dahomey Mr. Tahar Gaid presented his letters of credence{{Cite book |title=Africa Research Bulletin |publisher=Blackwell |year=1964 |pages=184}} | ||
| {{Flag|Bangladesh}}
|14 July 2008 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 July 2008 when has been accredited first Ambassador of Benin to Bangladesh (resident in Beijing) Mr. Sedozan Jean-Claude Apithy.{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic List Bangladesh 2007 |url=https://ifs02.du.edu/Client/Diplomatic/Diplomatic%20Services/Archive/Diplomatic%20Lists/2007%20Bangladesh.pdf |access-date=4 August 2023 |page=97}} | ||
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|{{flag|China}} | 12 November 1964 | See Benin–China relations
The People's Republic of China and the Republic of Benin established diplomatic relations on November 12, 1964, yet in January 1966, Benin unilaterally severed the relations with China and the April that year to "resume relations" with Taiwan. On December 29, 1972, the Mathieu Kérékon Government restored the relations with China and then the relations saw a favorable development afterwards.{{Cite web |title=Benin |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/focac/183583.htm |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=china.org.cn}}
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| {{Flag|Comoros}}
|17 May 2018 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 May 2018 when Ambassador of Benin to Comoros (resident in Pretoria) Mr. Erick Franck Saїzonou presented his credentials to President Azali Assoumani.{{Cite web |title=S.E.M Eric Frank SAIZONOU nouvel Ambassadeur du Bénin en Union des Comores |url=https://beit-salam.km/actualit%C3%A9s/s.e.m-eric-frank-saizonou-nouvel-ambassadeur-du-b%C3%A9nin-en-union-des-comores.html |access-date=8 July 2023 |website=beit-salam.km |language=fr}} | ||
| {{Flag|Democratic Republic of Congo}}
|1961 |Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1961 when has been accredited Mr. Paul Fabo as Chargé d'Affaires of Dahomey to Leopoldville (Kinshasa) (1961–1963) and later ambassador to DRC (Zaire) (1963–1973).{{Cite book |last=Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, Samuel Decalo |title=Historical Dictionary of Benin |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2013 |pages=161}} | ||
| {{Flag|Cote d'Ivoire}}
|28 October 1983 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 October 1983 when Ambassador of Benin to Côte d'Ivoire Mr. Benon Nicolas presented his credentials to President Houphouët - Boigny.{{Cite book |title=Le Mois en Afrique Issues 203-214 |publisher=Le Mois en Afrique |year=1983 |pages=175 |language=fr}} | ||
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|{{flag|Denmark}} | 15 December 1964 | See Benin–Denmark relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1964 when was accredited first ambassador of Dahomey to Denmark Dr. Nicolas Amoussou Ewagnignon{{Cite web |title=Udenlandske diplomatiske og konsulære repræsentationer i Danmark |url=https://slaegtsbibliotek.dk/921659.pdf |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=Hof- og Statskalender 1966 |page=[21] |language=da}}
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| {{Flag|Egypt}}
|15 December 1964 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1964 when decided to open Embassy of Egypt in Dahomey.{{Cite book |title=Africa Research Bulletin |publisher=Blackwell |year=1964 |pages=203}} | ||
| {{Flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
|10 April 1981 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 April 1981 when first Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Benin presented his credentials to Head of State, Colonel Mathieu Kérékou.{{Cite book |title=Le Mois en Afrique - Issues 186-193 |publisher=1981 |pages=158 |language=fr}} | ||
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|{{flag|Ethiopia}} | 7 May 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 May 1966 when first Ambassador of Ethiopia to Dahomey ( resident in Lagos ) Mr. Dawit Abdou presented his credentials.{{Cite book |title=Africa Research Bulletin |publisher=Blackwell |year=1966 |pages=531}}
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|{{flag|France}} | 2 August 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 August 1960{{Cite web |title=Liste chronologique des ambassadeurs, envoyes extraordinaires, ministres plenipotentiaires et charges d'affaires de France a l'etranger depuis 1945 |url=https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/maep0035-0120_cle8a5377.pdf |access-date=4 February 2024 |website=diplomatie.gouv.fr |language=fr}}
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| {{Flag|Gabon}}
|29 October 1969 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 October 1969 when Gabon's new Ambassador to Dahomey (Benin), M. Marcel Sandoungout, has presented his credentials to President Zinsou. | ||
| {{Flag|Germany}}
|12 August 1960 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 August 1960 when first Ambassador of FRG to Dahomey (resident in Abidjan) Mr. Theodor Axenfeld presented his credentials{{Cite web |title=Beninisch-deutsche Geschichte |url=http://www.cotonou.diplo.de/Vertretung/cotonou/de/03/Bilaterale__Beziehungen/seite__ben__dt__geschichte.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408051835/http://www.cotonou.diplo.de/Vertretung/cotonou/de/03/Bilaterale__Beziehungen/seite__ben__dt__geschichte.html |archive-date=8 April 2010 |access-date=8 July 2023 |website=Deutsche Botschaft Cotonou |language=de}} | ||
| {{Flag|Guinea}}
|26 February 1962 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 February 1962 when first Ambassador of Guinea to Dahomey Mr. Leon Maka presented his credentials to President Maga.{{Cite book |title=Europe, France outremer - Issues 382-392 |publisher=1961 |pages=64 |language=fr}} | ||
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|{{flag|Haiti}} | December 1960 | See Benin–Haiti relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations in December 1960 with opened Embassy of Haiti in Dahomey. It was closed in 1963 and reopened in Cotonou in February 2004. Embassy Haiti in Benin was finally closed on 11 December 2018.{{Cite web |date=16 December 2018 |title=Diplomatie: l'Ambassade d'Haïti au Bénin définitivement fermée |url=https://archives.beninwebtv.com/2018/12/diplomatie-lambassade-dhaiti-au-benin-definitivement-fermee/ |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=Benin Web TV |language=fr}} The two countries share an extensive cultural history by way of the Atlantic slave trade and the resulting importing of Vodou as a religious force in Haitian society.
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|{{flag|India}} | 25 June 1963 | See Benin–India relations
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| {{Flag|Italy}}
|30 November 1961 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 November 1961 when first ambassador of Italy to Dahomey Mr. Renzo Luigi Romanelli presented his credentials to President Hubert Maga{{Cite book |title=Europe, France outremer Issues 382-392 |publisher=1961 |pages=48 |language=fr}} | ||
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|{{flag|Kenya}} | 12 March 1982 | See Benin–Kenya relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 March 1982 when first ambassador of Kenya to Benin Mr. Alfred Imbahale Machayo presented his credentials to Head of State of Benin Mr. Mathieu Kérékou.{{Cite book |title=Le Mois en Afrique - Issues 194-202 |publisher=1982 |pages=173 |language=fr}} |
| {{Flag|Lebanon}}
|27 June 1962 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 June 1962 when first ambassador of Lebanon to Dahomey presented his credentials to President Hubert Maga.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M4aQ3IE1e14C&dq=His+Excellency+Mr.+...+the+Lebanese+ambassador+to+Dahomey,+this+afternoon+in+Porto+Novo+...&pg=RA2-PA4 |title=Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts Issues 126-127 |publisher=United States. Central Intelligence Agency |year=1962 |access-date=19 July 2023}} | ||
| {{Flag|Mali}}
|27 August 1965 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 August 1965 when first ambassador of Mali to Dahomey (resident in Niamey) Mr. Hangadoumbo Toure presented his credentials.{{Cite book |title=Bulletin de l'Afrique noire - Issues 379-388 |publisher=La Documentation africaine |year=1965 |language=fr}} | ||
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|{{flag|Mexico}} | 30 October 1975 | * Benin is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.{{Cite web|url=https://beninembassy.us/|title=beninembassy.us}}
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|{{flag|Nigeria}} | 12 September 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1961 when has been appointed Chargé d'Affaires of Dahomey to Nigeria Mr. Obed Pessou.{{Cite web |title=Republique du Dahomey Decret du President de la Republique № 287 |url=https://sgg.gouv.bj/doc/decret-1961-287/download |access-date=3 September 2023 |website=Secrétariat général du Gouvernement du Bénin |language=fr}}
Benin enjoys stable relations with Nigeria, the main regional power. In fact, Benin is dependent on Nigeria for most of its export. Its economy is primarily based on informal trade with Nigeria. |
| {{Flag|Pakistan}}
|10 December 1963 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 December 1963 when the Pakistan Government has decided to concurrently accredit M. S. Shaikh, High Commissioner for Pakistan in Nigeria, as the country's ambassador to Dahomey.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Trizqety7loC&dq=Pakistan+Government+decided+to+M.+Shaikh+as+ambassador+of+Pakistan+to+Dahomey&pg=PA19-IA5 |title=Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts Issues 240-241 |publisher=United States. Central Intelligence Agency |year=1963 |access-date=7 July 2023}} | ||
| {{Flag|Philippines}}
|8 August 1997 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 August 1997 when has been accredited Ambassador of Philippines to Benin (resident in Lagos) Mr. Masarango Masrumpa.{{Cite book |title=Benin Country Study Guide Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments |publisher=International Business Publications, USA |year=2013 |pages=219}} | ||
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|{{flag|Russia}} | 4 June 1962 | See Benin–Russia relations
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| {{Flag|Rwanda}}
|21 March 1985 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 March 1985 when Ambassador of Rwanda to Benin Mr. Calixte Hatungimana presented his credentials to général Mathieu Kerekou.{{Cite book |title=Bulletin de l'Afrique noire - Issues 1255-1278 |publisher=Ediafric |year=1985 |pages=2 |language=fr}} | ||
| {{Flag|Somalia}}
|12 March 1982 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 March 1982 when first ambassador of Somalia to Benin Mr. Hussein Assan Farah presented his credentials to Head of State of Benin Mr. Mathieu Kérékou. | ||
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|{{flag|South Africa}} | 19 May 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 May 1994{{Cite web |title=Bilateral Relations (country profiles listed alphabetically) |url=https://www.dirco.gov.za/bilateral-relations/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=dirco.gov.za}}
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| {{Flag|Tanzania}}
|25 May 1979 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 May 1979 when first ambassador of Tanzania to Benin Mr. Mirisho Sarakikya presented his credentials to President M. Kerekou{{Cite book |title=Sub-Saharan Africa Report, Issues 2121-2127 |publisher=United States. Foreign Broadcast Information Service |year=1979 |pages=20}} | ||
| {{Flag|Togo}}
|5 September 1983 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1983 when Ambassador of Benin to Togo (resident in accra) Mr. Lucien Tonoukoin presented his credentials to Head of State General Eyadema. | ||
| {{Flag|Tunisia}}
|18 January 1967 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 1967 when Tunisian Ambassador to Dahomey, with residence in Abidjan, Mr. Mehiri Abdeljelil, has presented his credentials to General Soglo.{{Cite book |title=Africa Research Bulletin |publisher=Blackwell |year=1967 |pages=696}} | ||
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|{{flag|Turkey}} | 29 March 1974 | Benin–Turkey relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 March 1974 when first Turkish Ambassador Mr. Talat Benler presented his credentials to President Mathieu Kerekou in Cotonou.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OB8FAQAAIAAJ&dq=ambassador+of+Turkey+Talat+Benler+presented+his+credentials+to+President+Mathieu+Kerekou&pg=RA6-PA9 |title=Translations on Sub-Saharan Africa Issues 1450-1459 |publisher=United States. Joint Publications Research Service |year=1974 |pages=9 |access-date=8 July 2023}}
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| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|1 August 1960 |Benin established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 1 August 1960.
Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic co-operation pact,{{Cite x|name=U.S. Department of State | Science Diplomacy USA|user=SciDiplomacyUSA|number=1735750399330500674|date=15 December 2023|title=The Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation welcomes Benin as its newest member! The United States looks forward to working with Benin to create a strong, cooperative community around the Atlantic.|url=https://twitter.com/SciDiplomacyUSA/status/1735750399330500674|access-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412134948/https://twitter.com/SciDiplomacyUSA/status/1735750399330500674|archive-date=12 April 2024|url-status=live}} the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Investment Agreement.{{Cite web |url=https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international-investment-agreements/treaties/bilateral-investment-treaties/576/benin---united-kingdom-bit-1987-|title=Benin - United Kingdom BIT (1987)|website=UN Trade and Development|access-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227110418/https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international-investment-agreements/treaties/bilateral-investment-treaties/576/benin---united-kingdom-bit-1987-|archive-date=27 February 2024|url-status=live}} | ||
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|{{flag|United States}} | 1 August 1960 | See Benin–United States relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1960{{Cite web |title=A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Benin (Dahomey) |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/benin |access-date=4 February 2024 |website=Office of the Historian}} The two nations have had an excellent history of relations in the years since Benin embraced democracy. The U.S. Government continues to assist Benin with the improvement of living standards that are key to the ultimate success of Benin's experiment with democratic government and economic liberalization, and are consistent with U.S. values and national interest in reducing poverty and promoting growth. The bulk of the U.S. effort in support of consolidating democracy in Benin is focused on long-term human resource development through U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs.[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6761.htm "Background Note: Benin"]. U.S. Department of State (June 2008). {{PD-notice}}
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| {{Flag|Yemen}}
|24 February 2014 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 February 2014 when Ambassador of Benin to Yemen Mr. Taher Mohammed Dambaya presented his credentials to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.{{Cite web |date=24 February 2014 |title=الرئيس هادي يتسلم أوراق اعتماد عدد من السفراء الجدد لدى اليمن |url=https://nashwannews.com/newsold/150711/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A3%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7 |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=nashwannews.com |language=ar}} | ||
| {{Flag|Zambia}}
|8 February 1974 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 February 1974 when Zambian ambassador Andreya S. Masiye presented credentials to President Kerekou{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OB8FAQAAIAAJ&dq=8+February+1974+when+Zambian+ambassador+Andreya+S.+Masiye+presented+credentials+to+President+Kerekou&pg=PA11 |title=Translations on Sub-Saharan Africa Issues 1450-1459 |publisher=United States. Joint Publications Research Service |year=1974 |pages=11 |access-date=20 May 2023}} | ||
| {{Flag|Zimbabwe}}
|19 July 2018 |Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 July 2018 when first ambassador of Benin to Zimbabwe Mr. Eric Saizonou presented his credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.{{Cite web |date=20 July 2018 |title=New US Ambassador says ED's reforms to bring prosperity |url=https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-us-ambassador-says-eds-reforms-to-bring-prosperity/ |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=chronicle.co.zw}} |
See also
Notes
External links
- {{in lang|ru}} [http://www.mid.ru/ns-rafr.nsf/strana?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expand=3#3 Benin–Russia relations at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
{{CIA World Factbook}}
{{Foreign relations of Benin}}
{{Benin topics}}
{{Africa in topic|Foreign relations of}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Foreign Relations Of Benin}}