The 7th session of the Bénin-Morocco Joint Cooperation Commission concluded in Cotonou on July 21, 2026, at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The session marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with the signing of 14 cooperation agreements spanning key sectors—highlighting the robust and evolving partnership between the two nations.

Co-chaired by Corinne Amori Brunet, Bénin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Afro-descendant Integration, and Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, the session underscored both countries’ commitment to deepen and diversify their collaboration. In his address, Bourita commended Bénin’s democratic maturity and economic progress, positioning the country as an emerging leader in West Africa. He emphasized the need for bilateral cooperation to align with national priorities and government vision to maximize impact. A key focus was on mobilizing the private sector to boost economic exchanges, attract investments, and support sustainable development—with the shared goal of establishing a model of inter-African partnership rooted in solidarity and mutual growth.

Addressing regional security concerns, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s unwavering solidarity with Bénin, calling for collective action against terrorism and the promotion of a tolerant Islam. Meanwhile, Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Bénin’s Minister of Economy and Finance, stressed the urgency of elevating the partnership to strategic levels across multiple sectors. He noted that trade flows, though growing, remain below potential and highlighted opportunities for Moroccan and Bénin expertise to converge in priority areas.

Corinne Amori Brunet echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to expand cooperation in strategic domains including the economy, trade, industry, investment, tourism, agriculture, justice, security, vocational training, higher education, scientific research, health, digital technology, and culture.

Fourteen cooperation agreements inked

The landmark session culminated in the official signing of 14 binding agreements, each designed to strengthen institutional, economic, and social ties between Bénin and Morocco. The accords cover:

• Mutual administrative assistance in customs matters;
• A framework agreement on higher education, scientific research, and innovation;
• Judicial mutual assistance in criminal matters;
• Extradition and transfer of sentenced persons conventions;
• A joint action plan in the justice sector;
• Security cooperation agreement;
• Protocol on financial modalities for civil protection cooperation;
• Protocol on cooperation in food safety;
• Framework convention on vocational training;
• Agreement on academic scholarships, internships, and expertise sharing;
• Memorandum of understanding in sports and athletic training;
• Tourism development partnership convention;
• Memorandum of understanding on environment and sustainable development.

These agreements reflect a shared vision of inclusive, sustainable development and set a new benchmark for inter-African partnerships.