On March 23, the reception in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relationship between China and Benin, co-hosted by CPAFFC and the Embassy of Benin in China, was held in Beijing. 40 guests in total, including Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Xiao Han, Deputy Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Simon Adovelande, Ambassador of Benin to China, diplomats of Benin Embassy, representatives of Benin nationals in China attended the reception.

Mme. Lin Yi said in her speech that over the past 45 years, with the strengthening of high-level mutual political trust and the rapid growth of bilateral trade, China has become a major trading partner and investment source of Benin. The pragmatic cooperation in various fields between the two countries has scored fruitful results and brought substantial benefit to the two peoples. China and Benin share similar development goals. It is hopeful that the two countries join hands to embark on a new journey of forging a community with shared future for mankind.

Ambassador Adovelande stressed that the 45th anniversary of resumption of Benin-China diplomatic relations has provided an opportunity to recall the harmonious bilateral relations in the history and to discuss about the new cooperation opportunities in the future. Benin will actively participate in the Belt and Road initiatives, enhance the pragmatic cooperation with China and develop Benin-China cooperation into a role model for South-South cooperation.