Bénin and Togo forge new partnership under Wadagni-Gnassingbé initiative

The Bénin Presidential Office recently highlighted a goodwill and working visit as part of the new Head of State’s inaugural regional tour. Meanwhile, the Togolese Presidency confirmed that Romuald Wadagni traveled to Lomé on June 3rd at the invitation of Faure Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Togo. One certainty emerged from this encounter: both nations are now committed to redefining their collaboration.

This meeting took place within the framework of the long-standing ties of friendship, solidarity, and exemplary cooperation binding Bénin and Togo. A joint statement released after the brief presidential visit to Lomé emphasized the shared ambition of both governments to deepen their strategic partnership for the progress and prosperity of their citizens.

The leaders celebrated the deep-rooted neighborly bonds, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence between their peoples. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration across all sectors of mutual interest, underscoring the need for sustained political dialogue as the cornerstone of trust, stability, and conflict prevention.

The discussions also covered economic relations, with both sides acknowledging the steady growth in trade flows between the two countries. They agreed to boost cross-border connectivity, streamline trade, attract private investments, and unlock new economic synergies to strengthen their partnership further.

On security matters, the Presidents expressed serious concern over the persistent threat of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crime plaguing West Africa. They pledged to intensify security cooperation, including enhanced intelligence sharing and fortified border management.

At the conclusion of the brief Lomé visit, Romuald Wadagni extended an official invitation to Faure Gnassingbé—the senior West African leader—to undertake a state visit to Bénin. The details and timing of this trip will be finalized through diplomatic channels. Notably, Faure Gnassingbé has not visited Bénin during Patrice Talon’s decade-long presidency.