The Bénin–Maroc partnership reached a new milestone on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as the seventh joint cooperation commission convened in Cotonou at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The high-level meeting underscored the robust and evolving relationship between the two nations, culminating in the signing of 14 cooperation agreements across critical sectors.
Co-chaired by Corinne Amori Brunet, Bénin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Afro-descendant Integration, and Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, the session highlighted shared progress and outlined a roadmap for deeper collaboration. Bourita praised Bénin’s democratic maturity and economic strides, positioning the country as a rising force in Africa. He emphasized aligning bilateral efforts with national priorities to amplify impact, stressing the need to engage the private sector to boost trade, attract investments, and fund sustainable development. The goal? To set a benchmark for inter-African partnerships rooted in solidarity and shared prosperity.
Bourita also reiterated Morocco’s unwavering solidarity with Bénin in combating terrorism and promoted urgent action to advance a tolerant Islamic framework.
Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Bénin’s Minister of Economy and Finance, called for elevating cooperation to strategic heights, citing economic shifts that demand bold steps. While acknowledging that trade flows fall short of expectations, he spotlighted sectors where Bénin and Maroc can merge expertise—from agriculture to digital innovation. His vision: a shared prosperity zone where joint efforts and resources unlock potential.
Corinne Amori Brunet echoed this call, urging deeper collaboration across economy, trade, industry, tourism, agriculture, justice, security, vocational training, higher education, research, health, digitalization, and culture.
14 agreements inked
At the close of the session, Bénin and Morocco formalized 14 cooperation agreements, including:
- Mutual administrative assistance in customs matters;
- A framework agreement for higher education, scientific research, and innovation;
- Judicial mutual assistance and extradition conventions;
- Condemned persons transfer agreements;
- A justice sector action plan;
- Security cooperation;
- A protocol on financial modalities for civil protection;
- A sanitary security protocol for food;
- A vocational training cooperation convention;
- An academic scholarships and expertise-sharing framework;
- A sports cooperation memorandum;
- A tourism promotion partnership;
- An environmental and sustainable development memorandum.
These agreements reflect a shared commitment to fostering mutual growth, resilience, and development in a rapidly changing global landscape.
