Canada Opens First Resident Embassy in Benin's Cotonou
Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand inaugurated its first resident embassy in Cotonou, Benin on August 5, 2026. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations between Canada and Benin, which were established 64 years ago.
The new embassy aims to strengthen political dialogue, monitor bilateral commitments, and enhance cooperation in various sectors including the economy, innovation, security, and human development.
During the inauguration, Anita Anand stated that 'Canada is determined to work with Benin' and give new momentum to their relationship. Corinne Amori Brunet, Benin's Foreign Minister, emphasized that the opening of the embassy reflects a rapprochement and intensification of relations between the two states.
The ceremony also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding on political and diplomatic consultations, which will establish a permanent framework for consultation between the administrations of both countries.