At the invitation of the Head of State of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula DA SILVA, the President of the Republic of Benin, His Excellency Mr. Patrice TALON, made an official visit to Brasilia on 23 May 2024.
This visit marked a decisive step in the revitalization and new impetus of bilateral relations between the two nations, in the mutual interest of their peoples. In continuation of these commitments, several acts were adopted on the occasion of the visit of the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, to Brazil, on May 23, 2024.

The 10 acts of agreement signed
The tête-à-tête held this Thursday, May 23, 2024 by Beninese President Patrice Talon and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula DA SILVA resulted in the signing of several acts of agreement. These include:

1. Cooperation in the agricultural field
The two Presidents agree on high-yield, productive agriculture to fight poverty. Recognizing Brazil as a power in the agricultural field, they agreed that Benin could rely on the Brazilian experience to increase its agricultural development. This strategic collaboration is achieved through coordination between the National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB) and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC).

The two Presidents decide to implement strategic cooperation, supported by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), which will be supported by long-term legal security that will allow both countries to advance in the field of agriculture, but also in the joint creation of a bilateral development cooperation program including non-traditional, innovative and structuring sectors for the future of bilateral relations. These are the following sectors, among others which may be identified jointly by the two governments:

– Seed improvement
-Mechanization of agricultural practices
– Supervision of producers and modern production methods
– Development of a technical assistance and rural extension system
– Support for technical education for agricultural schools
Rural and agro-industrial vocational training
– Development of hydro-agricultural development
– Promotion of market gardening
– Strengthening fish farming
– Exchange of experiences and expertise.
This strategy for the future of bilateral relations is implemented within the framework of the Technical and Scientific Cooperation Framework Agreement, signed and in force since 2008. The Presidents of Benin and Brazil agreed that agricultural trade could promote development of rural areas in both countries.

In addition, the trade in genetic material could contribute to the improvement of Beninese livestock, with significant productivity gains thanks to the technological advances made by Brazil in this sector. The Presidents recognized that Brazil could contribute even more to the food security of the Beninese people through agricultural trade.

2. Cooperation in the field of education, vocational training and higher education
The Presidents of Benin and Brazil agree on the importance of strengthening bilateral ties through solid and diversified educational and cultural cooperation, which will benefit the youth of their respective nations.

Their ambition is to stimulate the development of partnerships between higher education institutions and training centers in the two countries. Brazil and Benin highlight the benefits of the concrete flow of Beninese students verified by the Brazilian PEC-G educational program. Benin, for its part, will endeavor to support the program in a complementary manner, focusing on strategic areas for the country.

Brazil emphasizes its commitment to strengthening academic exchanges within the framework of international educational programs, such as the PEC-G, for bachelors, and the PEC-PG, for masters and doctorates, as well as other associated programs. This common commitment marks an important step towards building a shared future based on knowledge, innovation and intercultural collaboration.
With a view to strengthening its educational ecosystem in the sectors of professional training and innovation, Benin and Brazil discussed the Sémé City campus project, in the city of Ouidah, intended to become a hub of regional innovation and an engine of economic transformation in Benin.
Recognizing the know-how of Brazilian companies, Benin and Brazil agree to examine the possibilities of supporting relevant institutions in the realization of this flagship project which could be a visible symbol of the Benin-Brazil bilateral partnership.

3. Cooperation in arts, tourism, culture and air transport
The two Presidents recognize the importance of strengthening historical ties between the Beninese and Brazilian peoples through dynamic cooperation in tourism, which meets the common ambitions of the two nations. The government of Benin is ready to offer investment facilities to Brazilian operators to establish an attractive, sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism industry.
The two governments plan to initiate this connection before the end of the year, thus consolidating the foundations for increased collaboration in the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
4. Cooperation in defense and maritime security
The two Presidents welcome the cooperation agreement signed on April 12, 2023 between the Republic of Benin and the Federative Republic of Brazil in the military field. On this solid basis, the two nations wish to continue and deepen their defense cooperation in the long term. This includes raising the level of operational cooperation, notably through the trade of equipment, training and learning, joint participation in operations under United Nations mandate, and increasing joint activities in operational spaces. shared interests of the South Atlantic.
5. ZOPACAS
Benin and Brazil, aware of the importance of maritime security and sustainable development in the South Atlantic region, particularly within the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS), have agreed to strengthen their cooperation.
The two countries are committed to working closely to combat maritime piracy, ensure the security of shipping lanes, and promote the conservation and sustainable development of the marine environment. They plan to strengthen their maritime surveillance capabilities, exchange information and best practices, and carry out joint actions to ensure the safety and security of maritime activities in the region.
6. Cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime
Aware of the rise in international terrorism and organized crime, Benin and Brazil support the creation of a mechanism allowing the security forces of the two countries to exchange information and effectively combat these transnational threats.
This cooperation aims to combat transnational organized crime in its various forms, including drug trafficking, human and migrant smuggling and environmental crimes, in a joint effort to ensure the security of their peoples.