During the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, held from September 21 to 28, 2026, Benin actively participated in various diplomatic engagements under the leadership of Minister of Foreign Affairs Corinne Amori Brunet. As the rotating president of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (CPS), Benin led several bilateral and multilateral discussions. The delegation from Benin engaged in 25 bilateral meetings, resulting in significant diplomatic and economic agreements.
A total of 12 agreements were signed with 10 partner countries, showcasing Benin's commitment to strengthening international cooperation. These agreements were signed with countries such as Finland, Jamaica, Rwanda, and Cape Verde. The meetings provided a platform for Benin to discuss mutual interests and reinforce partnerships with nations from different regions. Notably, Benin's role as the president of the CPS, a position it assumed on September 1, 2026, following Algeria, underscored its leadership in regional peace and security matters.
Minister Amori Brunet held specific discussions with her counterparts from Rwanda, Cape Verde, and Mauritania. These meetings focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including political, economic, and security domains. The dialogue with Mauritania's Foreign Minister centered on bolstering ties between the two nations. Such interactions highlight Benin's dedication to fostering strong relationships with African countries.
At the UN General Assembly, Minister Amori Brunet addressed the assembly on September 28, advocating for multilateralism, conflict prevention, and stabilization in West Africa. Her speech followed those of delegations from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, emphasizing Benin's stance on global cooperation and regional stability. The minister's participation underscored Benin's active role in international diplomacy and peace efforts.
Several concrete agreements were made public during the assembly. One notable accord was with Kazakhstan, where both countries discussed strengthening political and economic ties and signed an agreement exempting diplomatic and service passports from visa requirements. Additionally, Benin and Luxembourg held a partnership commission focused on innovation, economic development, and youth investment.
Benin also formalized its adherence to international conventions concerning the protection and use of transboundary watercourses and international lakes. The country engaged in exchanges with Serbia and Jamaica, further expanding its diplomatic footprint. On September 23, Minister Amori Brunet presided over the 1369th meeting of the African Union's CPS, which focused on good neighborliness and the involvement of border populations in peace processes.
The discussions during the CPS meeting highlighted three main points: involving border populations, enhancing the role of women, and accelerating intelligence sharing. These themes reflect Benin's strategy of combining multilateral diplomacy with bilateral partnerships to promote regional security and economic development. By actively participating in international forums and fostering alliances, Benin aims to contribute to a more stable and prosperous region.
Key points
- Benin signed 12 diplomatic and economic agreements with 10 countries during the 81st UN General Assembly.
- The agreements were signed with countries including Finland, Jamaica, Rwanda, and Cape Verde.
- Benin participated in the UN Assembly as the rotating president of the African Union's Peace and Security Council.
