Sixty-four years after establishing diplomatic ties with Bénin, Canada has inaugurated its inaugural embassy in Cotonou. The official opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and was presided over by the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Anita Anand, who was on a working visit to Bénin. She was joined by her Béninese counterpart, Ms. Corinne Amori Brunet, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and Hugues Oscar Lokossou, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management.

This establishment represents a landmark achievement, reflecting the robust friendship between the two nations and their shared ambition to elevate their cooperation to a more dynamic level. The presence of a fully operational embassy in Cotonou is set to enhance political dialogue, ensure more direct oversight of bilateral commitments, and solidify collaboration across various strategic sectors.

“Canada is resolute in its commitment to partner with Bénin, and today we are injecting new vitality into this relationship,” stated the Honorable Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister. Echoing this sentiment, Béninese Minister Corinne Amori Brunet highlighted that the embassy’s opening signifies a concrete step towards closer and more intense relations between Bénin and Canada. “Our cooperation is expanding and diversifying. It is increasingly investing in the economy, innovation, security, and human development – all values deeply cherished by both Bénin and Canada,” emphasized Bénin’s chief diplomat.

Earlier on the same Wednesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Ms. Anita Anand and her Béninese counterpart, Ms. Corinne Amori Brunet, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations. This document establishes a permanent framework for dialogue, designed to deepen political engagement, ensure consistent follow-up on bilateral commitments, and strengthen coordination on significant regional and international matters.

An extended working session also brought together Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, responsible for Industry and Private Investment Promotion; Gildas Agonkan, Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, responsible for National Defense; and Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management.