The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today received his counterpart, the Minister of the Republic of Benin, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, in Madrid within the framework of the new Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028, which seeks to strengthen our relationship with African partners. Benin is one of the leading countries in West Africa due to its economic growth and political stability.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed different aspects of bilateral relations, focusing particularly on political and economic issues. They also analysed the regional situation, especially regarding security in the Sahel and in the Gulf of Guinea.
Political consultation
Albares and Bakari signed a political consultation agreement, demonstrating the will to strengthen bilateral relations in areas of common interest such as infrastructure, agriculture, textiles and construction.
During his working visit to Madrid, Minister Bakari also held a meeting with the director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Antón Leis, during which they discussed issues related to the Development Promotion Fund (FONPRODE); and a meeting with the director of the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Public Administration and Policy (FIIAPP), Francisco Tierraseca, where ideas were exchanged about security in the Gulf of Guinea and the projects that the Foundation is developing in the region.
Bakari also met with the Secretary of State for Trade, with whom he had the opportunity to exchange opinions on different aspects of bilateral business relations, the presence of Spanish companies in his country, and the instruments that the Spanish Administration draws on for the internationalisation of enterprises.