Wang Yi Meets with Beninese Foreign Minister Aurelien Agbenonci

On November 30, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Beninese Foreign Minister Aurelien Agbenonci on the sidelines of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Dakar.

Wang Yi said, China-Benin relations have been developing soundly and steadily with the personal care and leadership of the two heads of state, and continuous progress has been made in cooperation in various fields. China and Benin have been helping each other and uniting to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, further solidifying the friendship. China appreciates Benin's support for China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns and will continue to resolutely support Benin in opposing outside interference and independently choosing its own development path. China stands ready to work with Benin in deepening cooperation in various fields and strive for new achievements in bilateral relations.

Agbenonci said, President Xi Jinping's important speech at the opening ceremony of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC is uplifting and will not only elevate the level of cooperation between Africa and China but also bring new opportunities to Benin-China cooperation. Benin upholds the one-China principle and will continue to firmly support China's just stance. Benin is satisfied with the high-quality cooperation with China and thanks China for providing support and assistance for its economic transformation and upgrading. Benin is deeply grateful that China was the first to provide Benin with medical materials and COVID-19 vaccines to help Benin effectively contain the pandemic. We are ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with China in economy and trade, tourism, specialty product export, personnel training and other fields.

The two sides agreed to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to advance bilateral ties to a new high.