On visit to Benin, Turkish foreign minister vows to enhance ties

By Handan Kazanci

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Turkish foreign minister on Thursday promised to boost relations with Benin during a visit to the West African country.

“We evaluated how we can improve our bilateral relations during both our one-on-one meeting and talks with delegations,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a joint news conference with his Beninese counterpart Aurelien Agbenonci in the country’s largest city Cotonou.

Cavusoglu also said the top two diplomats agreed to work together to realize mutual visits by the presidents of Türkiye and Benin.

“We also discussed how we can strengthen our cooperation in the defense industry and security,” he added.

The foreign ministers also talked about the steps they can take to “further develop our economic relations in all aspects,” Cavusoglu said.

“Our meetings, both one-on-one and between delegations, were extremely productive and beneficial,” he added.

Cavusoglu’s Africa tour came after Agbenonci’s visit to Türkiye in May.

The Turkish foreign minister embarked on a three-day Africa tour on Tuesday, with Benin his last stop after Senegal and Ghana.

Relations between the two countries “are developing on a sound basis,” according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. While Benin opened its embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara in 2013, Turkiye opened its embassy in Cotonou in 2014.