Press Release

Visit of MOS(ST) to the Republic of Benin

26/10/2009

Minister of State for External Affairs Dr Shashi Tharoor paid an official visit to Republic of Benin from October 21 to 23, 2009.

MOS(ST) paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr Boni Yayi President of Republic of Benin and conveyed Government of India's commitment to further strengthen and diversify bilateral cooperation. Benin President reiterated his country’s firm commitment to support India’s quest for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and for the non-permanent seat for the years 2011-12. He added that without India many international issues cannot be handled effectively. President Yayi expressed solidarity with India in its efforts to tackle the scourge of terrorism, which has become the biggest threat to international peace and security in the current times.

During the visit, H.E. Mr Jean Marie Ehouzou, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin and Hon’ble Dr Tharoor co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Benin Joint Commission (JCM) at Cotonou. The JCM reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discussed various measures to strengthen bilateral ties. H.E. Mr Ehouzou and MOS(ST) also signed an Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Exchange Programme for 2010-2012. MOS(ST) also inaugurated the Indian International School of Benin and flagged off the first goods train powered by an Indian locomotive. An 18-member multi-sectoral business delegation organised by CII accompanied MOS(ST). MOS(ST) addressed a Business-to-Business event hosted by Chamber of Benin Commerce and Industry on October 22.

The visit took place in cordial and constructive atmosphere amidst signs of resurgence in Indo-Benin ties. Both sides endeavoured to carry the bilateral agenda set during the historic State visit of H.E. President Dr Boni Yayi in March 2009. Five bilateral documents were signed during the State visit. In addition, India had announced a $ 15 million Line of Credit to Benin and four other assistance-in-grant packages in IT, Industrial capacity building, Health and Education sectors in that country. Following signing of an empowering agreement on October 19 2009 in New Delhi, the $ 15 million Indian Line of Credit to Benin has been operationalised. India has already donated 100 tractors and gift shipment of another lot of 100 tractors is underway. Benin has already joined the Pan African e-Network. Indo-Benin bilateral trade has been growing over past few years to reach $ 310 million in 2008-09. India is one of Benin’s top trading partners. India’s status as Benin’s third largest export market is certain to be boosted by their acceptance of our Duty Free Tariff Preferences regime.

During the visit, two sides decided to hold their first Foreign Office Consultations in 2010 and the second session of the Joint Commission in 2011.

Cotonu
October 26, 2009