China, Benin elevate relations to 'strategic partnership'

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – China and the West African country of Benin on Friday elevated bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership, a Chinese official said.

The announcement was made as Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Beninese counterpart Patrice Athanase Guillaume Talo, who is in China for a state visit, in Beijing.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements to deepen cooperation in Belt and Road, green development, digital economy, agriculture and health, said Hua Chunying, spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry.

Talon landed in Beijing on Thursday and will conclude his trip on Sunday. Besides meetings with the Chinese leadership, he will attend a trade summit at the China International Fair for Trade in Services, scheduled from Sept. 2-6 in Beijing.

China and Benin celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022.