Russia plans to sign an intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation with Benin, Russian Ambassador to the African republic, Igor Yevdokimov, told Izvestia.
“Russia and Benin are preparing to sign an intergovernmental agreement on military cooperation,” Yevdokimov said.
Previously, on March 27, Russia signed a similar agreement with Togo that provides for joint military exercises, as well as the training and education of military personnel.
According to the ambassador, defense and security cooperation remains a key focus in Russia’s relations with both African nations, largely because of their shared interest in countering threats from terrorist and extremist groups destabilizing West Africa and the Sahel region.
“We hope that visits by Russian naval vessels to Benin and Togo will become a regular tradition, further strengthening our partnerships with Cotonou and Lomé in defense and security,” he added.
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Based on TASS materials