After 64 years of diplomatic ties with Benin, Canada has inaugurated its first full embassy in Cotonou. The official opening ceremony, held on August 5, 2026, was led by Canada’s Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, during her working visit to Benin, alongside Benin’s Foreign Minister, Corinne Amori Brunet. The event also brought together diplomats, government officials, and key figures including Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Benin’s Minister Delegate for External Resource Mobilization and Debt Management.

This landmark step underscores the deepening friendship and shared commitment between the two nations to elevate their cooperation. A permanent embassy in Cotonou will streamline political dialogue, ensure closer monitoring of bilateral commitments, and expand partnerships in critical sectors.

« Canada is committed to working with Benin, and today we are giving fresh momentum to this relationship, » declared Anita Anand. Benin’s Foreign Minister, Corinne Amori Brunet, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the embassy’s opening marks a new chapter in bilateral relations. « Our cooperation is growing stronger, diversifying into economics, innovation, security, and human development—values shared by both Benin and Canada, » she stated.

Earlier that morning, Anita Anand and Corinne Amori Brunet signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political and diplomatic consultations. This agreement establishes a structured framework for regular exchanges, ensuring closer tracking of commitments and enhanced coordination on regional and global issues.

A broader working session followed, bringing together Benin’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari; the Minister Delegate to the President for National Defense, Gildas Agonkan; and Hugues Oscar Lokossou.