Print
Suggest to a friend
HOME > The Ministry > Departments > The Department of African Affairs > Countries in the Region > Benin
 
China and Benin


2011/08/22


Friendship and cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Benin developed smoothly in 2010.

Political relations between the two sides made good progress. In January, Minister of the CPC International Department Wang Jiarui visited Benin. He met with President Thomas Boni Yayi and Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, French-speaking Communities, and Overseas Beninois Jean-Marie Ehouzou separately and exchanged views with them on deepening bilateral relations and strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the political parties of the two countries. In April and August, President Thomas Boni Yayi sent letters of condolence to President Hu Jintao to express sympathy on the damages caused by the earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai province and the floods in northern China. In October, Foreign Minister Jean-Marie Ehouzou attended the Benin National Pavilion Day events at the Shanghai World Expo. In the same month, Foreign Minister Jean-Marie Ehouzou came to China again and met separately with Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun, Minister of the CPC International Department Wang Jiarui and President of the Export and Import Bank of China Li Ruogu.

Notable results were achieved in the cooperation between the two sides on economy and trade. The eight measures announced at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation have been fully implemented. The Parakou Hospital built with China's assistance was handed over to Benin. The agricultural demonstration center and the Cotonou flyover were under construction and the foundation was laid for the Natitingou Women Military Academy. In October, the Red Cross Society of China and the Chinese Embassy in Benin provided emergency cash aid separately after Benin was hit by devastating floods.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries were rich and colorful. In February, the "Happy Spring Festival Month" serial events was kicked off in Benin. The events included fine embroideries exhibition, performances by art troupes, Chinese films and TV series week, Chinese New Year Eve Gourmet's Gala and fashion show, and gave the local public a close encounter with the charm of the Chinese culture. In September, the Sichuan Art Troupe visited and gave successful performances in Benin. During the Shanghai World Expo, China invited Benin artists to take part in the event of "African Cultures in Focus" in China.


 Print Suggest to a friend