Maldives Establishes Diplomatic Relations with Benin

Maldives and the Republic of Benin has established diplomatic relations, yesterday. 

The Joint Communiqué formalising diplomatic relations between the two countries was signed on behalf of the Government of Maldives, by Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations and by Jean-Francis Régis Zinsou, Permanent Representative of Benin to the United Nations, on behalf of the Government of Benin.

Benin is located in West Africa bordering Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger. The country’s political system is a representative democracy with Dr. Thomas Yayi Boni, who was elected to office on 6 April 2006.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Ghafoor spoke of the need for the Maldives to engage actively with the African countries, looking into potential areas of cooperation and build partnerships across the region. Ambassador Zinsou of Benin assured the Maldives ambassador that Benin would work closely with the Government of Maldives on all issues of mutual interest and as progressive countries, to further collaborate in the international fora.

Thilmeeza Hussain, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, and members of the diplomatic staff of both permanent missions also attended the ceremony.

Benin is the 158th country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives.