Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Beninese counterpart, Patrice Talon, affirmed their commitment to enhancing security cooperation during President Kagame’s two-day state visit to Benin. The leaders agreed that a joint permanent commission meeting would be held in Cotonou before the end of 2023.

President Kagame emphasized the need for African countries to collaborate and work together to address the security challenges they face.

He cited examples of Rwanda’s cooperation with other countries, including Mozambique and the Central African Republic.

"We are ready to work with Benin to prevent anything that may happen around its borders. There will be no limit in what will be accomplished together for security challenges," President Kagame said during a joint press conference.

The defence and security cooperation agreement signed between Rwanda and Benin will focus on different areas, including supervision, coaching, training, and joint deployment. The two leaders acknowledged the quality of military cooperation between their countries and expressed their commitment to strengthening it.

Moreover, Rwanda and Benin have identified other areas of cooperation, including research, double taxation avoidance, digitization, agriculture, local governance, and sustainable development.

During the state visit, President Kagame interacted with 100 young entrepreneurs at Sèmè City, a flagship project by the Beninese government dedicated to meeting the skills needs of young Africans through training, research, and innovation. Meanwhile, First Lady Jeannette Kagame and her host, Claudine Talon, visited the production unit of reusable organic cotton sanitary pads established by the Claudine Talon Foundation.

President Talon commended Kagame for his efforts in advancing African-led solutions to African problems and his contributions to the African Union reforms and other continental initiatives.

The Rwanda-Benin partnership is a testament to the commitment of African nations to collaborate in addressing the security challenges facing the continent. By pooling their resources and expertise, Rwanda and Benin hope to establish a safer and more secure West African region.

President Kagame and Talon addressing members of the press.

President Kagame emphasized the need for African countries to collaborate and work together to address the security challenges they face.