President Talon of Benin Meets with Qin Gang

On January 13, 2023 local time, President Talon of Benin met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Cotonou.

Talon asked Qin Gang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi Jinping. He said that the new foreign minister’s visit to Benin was his first official visit to Africa after the 50th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Benin and China reflect the friendly and close relationship between the two countries. Benin cherishes the long-term support and assistance from China. Although Benin is small, it stands on the side of truth, equality and justice and will continue to be a firm and reliable friend of China.

Talon said that China has found the right path of development and achieved world-renowned achievements, which have deeply inspired all developing countries. Benin looks forward to learning from China’s experience, deepening and expanding practical cooperation with China, and accelerating the realization of national development and revitalization.

Qin Gang conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to President Talon, saying that for half a century, China and Benin have always respected each other and treated each other as equals. China thanks Benin for its understanding and support on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns, and is willing to continue to be Benin’s sincere partner of mutual political trust and develop together. China looks forward to jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, so as to push China-Benin relations to new heights. China encourages more powerful and reputable Chinese companies to invest in Benin, and hopes that Benin will earnestly safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese institutions and personnel.

Qin Gang said that China has always adhered to the leadership of the Communist Party of China in reform and development, adhered to independence, and never simply copied the models of other countries. China is willing to strengthen exchange of experience in state governance and administration with Benin and support Benin in pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions. China will continue to follow the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation and the principle of sincerity, amity, sincerity and sincerity, and cooperate with African countries including Benin to achieve common development. A commitment to the greater good and the common good.

During the visit, Qin Gang also held talks with Benin Foreign Minister Abennunchi. The two sides also signed cooperation documents such as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.