Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni has met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris during his first official visit to France since taking office in May.
Macron welcomed Wadagni to the Élysée Palace on Monday for talks covering relations between Benin and France.
The discussions focused on security, energy, training and cultural cooperation, according to Africanews.
Benin and France discuss bilateral ties
Macron described relations between the two countries as a partnership of equals based on “friendship, trust and ambition.”
The meeting comes as France seeks to reshape its relations with African countries after reducing its military presence across parts of the continent.
The changes have come amid growing anti-French sentiment in several African countries.
France continues to train Beninese military pilots and special forces involved in operations against armed groups in northern Benin.
Regional tensions over French presence
Benin’s continuing security relationship with France has also become a source of tension with some neighbouring countries.
According to Africanews, neighbouring governments have accused Benin of hosting French troops.
The report does not provide evidence establishing those claims, and they should therefore be treated as allegations.
Wadagni’s government has also been working to rebuild relations with countries in the Sahel following earlier diplomatic tensions.
Benin seeks return of cultural treasures
Cultural heritage is another issue in relations between Benin and France.
Benin has been seeking the return of cultural objects taken during the colonial period in the 19th century.
A number of artefacts have already been returned, while Africanews reports that dozens more remain in collections at the Louvre and Quai Branly museums in Paris.
The Paris meeting highlighted the broad relationship between the two countries, ranging from security and economic cooperation to culture and historical heritage.