Kazakhstan and Benin Strengthen Ties with Historic Foreign Ministerial Visit
Kazakhstan and Benin Strengthen Bilateral Ties with First Official Visit by Beninese Foreign Minister
ASTANA – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu recently held a meeting with Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin, who visited Astana on April 18 for a working visit. This visit marked the first official visit by a Beninese foreign minister to Kazakhstan, as reported by the ministry’s press service.
During their discussions, the ministers explored various areas of cooperation, including political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian collaboration. They emphasized the potential for expanding cooperation in key sectors such as trade, logistics, and digitalization between Kazakhstan and Benin. Both officials reiterated their commitment to enhancing the legal framework and increasing exchanges at different levels.
To solidify their bilateral relationship, the ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on political and diplomatic consultations between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Benin.
In light of the evolving global geopolitical landscape, Kazakhstan is dedicated to establishing “equal and mutually beneficial partnerships” with African countries, stated Nurtleu. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed Kazakhstan’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Benin in areas such as agriculture, transport and logistics, finance, digitalization, and telecommunications.
Minister Bakari praised Kazakhstan’s achievements domestically and internationally, attributing the country’s progress to effective governance and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership. Both countries share common values and aim to build robust, dynamic, and productive relations.
In 2024, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Benin surpassed $700 million. Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to send a trade mission to Benin soon to further enhance economic ties.
Furthermore, the ministers discussed the potential export of Kazakh grain, flour, vegetable oils, fertilizers, and organic products to Benin to boost agricultural cooperation. They also explored leveraging Kazakhstan’s satellite-based remote sensing services to support Benin’s agricultural and geological exploration needs.
Additionally, the ministers highlighted the strategic significance of collaborating on transport connectivity. Kazakhstan plays a vital role in overland freight traffic from China to Europe, while Benin serves as a key gateway to West and Central Africa through the Port of Cotonou. Both countries expressed interest in deepening cooperation under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Moreover, the two ministers discussed collaborating within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with a specific focus on food security.
The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Nurtleu and Minister Bakari marked a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between Kazakhstan and Benin and fostering mutual development and cooperation in various sectors.
