On June 2, 2026, Bénin’s President Romuald Wadagni embarked on an official friendship and working visit to Niamey, Niger. Upon arrival at Diori Hamani International Airport, he received a warm welcome from his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two nations. The cordial atmosphere underscored the growing trust and mutual respect between Bénin and Niger.

Following the official reception, the heads of state held a private meeting at the Presidential Palace in Niamey. The discussions expanded into a broader session involving delegations from both countries, addressing shared priorities and regional concerns that impact both nations.

The joint statement issued after the visit highlighted the deep historical bonds of friendship and cooperation uniting Bénin and Niger. Both leaders emphasized their shared commitment to strengthening these ties to meet the aspirations of their citizens for peace, security, and sustainable development.

Security challenges took center stage during the talks. With persistent terrorist threats across the Sahel and West Africa, the presidents reaffirmed their dedication to joint counterterrorism efforts and combating cross-border criminal activities. They stressed the urgent need for enhanced collaboration to safeguard regional stability and accelerate development initiatives in the subregion.

The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation across political, economic, scientific, and cultural domains. A key decision involved reopening the border between Bénin and Niger, which had previously faced restrictions. To facilitate this, a technical committee was established to identify and resolve existing barriers within 15 days.

At the conclusion of the visit, President Tiani expressed his appreciation to President Wadagni for the visit, while the Béninese leader commended the hospitality extended during his stay. President Wadagni extended an official invitation to President Tiani to visit Bénin, an offer accepted in good faith. The details of the return visit will be finalized through diplomatic channels, reflecting the mutual desire to further solidify their strategic partnership.