Canada has officially inaugurated its first permanent embassy in Cotonou, marking a significant milestone in its diplomatic relationship with Benin. This historic event underscores a shared commitment to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
Sixty-four years after establishing diplomatic relations, Canada has opened its inaugural embassy in Cotonou. The official opening ceremony, held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, was presided over by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who was on a working visit to Benin. She was joined by her Beninese counterpart, Corinne Amori Brunet, members of the diplomatic corps, and Hugues Oscar Lokossou, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management.
This move represents a historic stride, reflecting the robust friendship between the two nations and their collective ambition to elevate their cooperation. The establishment of a fully functional embassy in Cotonou is poised to enhance political dialogue, ensure more direct oversight of bilateral commitments, and solidify collaboration across various strategic sectors.
“Canada is resolute in its commitment to partner with Benin, and today we are injecting new vitality into this relationship,” declared the Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s Foreign Minister. In response, her Beninese counterpart, Corinne Amori Brunet, emphasized that the embassy’s opening signifies a deepening and intensification of the ties between Benin and Canada. “Our cooperation is expanding and diversifying. It is increasingly investing in the economy, innovation, security, and human development – values that are cherished by both Benin and Canada,” the head of Beninese diplomacy affirmed.
Earlier on the same Wednesday morning, Minister Anand and Minister Brunet signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations. This crucial document establishes a permanent framework for dialogue, designed to foster deeper political engagement, ensure regular follow-up on bilateral commitments, and strengthen coordination on significant regional and international matters.
An expanded working session also took place, bringing together Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, responsible for Industry and Private Investment Promotion; Gildas Agonkan, Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, responsible for National Defense; and Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management.
