President Tinubu has described Nigeria's relations with Benin as that of Siamese twins, united by unbreakable ties and supported by other friendly states, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy Dele Alake.
On Friday, the Nigerian president met with his Beninese counterpart Patrice Talon after the Summit on New Global Financing Pact held in Paris on June 22-23. During the meeting, Tinubu expressed his desire to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and other African countries, particularly at the sub-regional level.
Stressing the importance of Benin in Nigeria's foreign and economic policy, he insisted on the joint implementation of trade, security and border control activities.
"We must recognize the fact that we need each other. We are in a loop and no one should separate us," he said.
He added that his administration will always be open and accessible to all neighboring countries. According to Tinubu, Africa has always been at the heart of Nigerian foreign policy, and the nation is ready to further improve intra-regional relations in areas of security, health, energy, education and diplomacy.
The Nigerian leader also expressed his belief in a brighter future for the continent. Tinubu pointed to the fact that Africa has always been left behind in the global economy and classified as a high-risk investment with high interest rates on loans. He stressed that Africans should work together to change this narrative and ensure mutually-beneficial economic development.
"I believe in Africa. We have the necessity to grow the continent. The world's economy is wobbling, and Africa has been left behind. On risk factors, Africa is always placed high, with higher interest rates on borrowing. We are always classified as high risk. We must work together for systematic recovery and growth," the president said.
Talon, for his part, stated that he was inspired with renewed hope for the continent and West Africa in particular after the inauguration of President Tinubu in Abuja. He pledged to provide support for trade and security policies, especially at the borders.
"We are prepared to work with you, Your Excellency, in implementing policies that will protect our economies at land and sea entries. Whatever is forbidden in Nigeria will also be forbidden in Benin," Talon said.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Nigerian president also had bilateral meetings with Swiss President Alain Berset, President of the African Development Bank Akinwunmi Adesina, President of Afreximbank Benedict Oramah, and others.