On June 2, 2026, Romuald Wadagni, President of the Republic of Bénin, embarked on an official friendship and working visit to Niamey, Niger. Upon landing at Diori Hamani International Airport, he received a warm welcome from his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani, marking a significant moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations.

The ceremonial reception was followed by a private meeting between the two heads of state at the Nigerien Presidential Palace. This was succeeded by a broader session with delegations from both countries, addressing mutual concerns and regional challenges that impact both states.

In a joint statement released after the visit, Presidents Wadagni and Tiani highlighted the strong historical bonds of friendship and cooperation between Bénin and Niger. They underscored their shared vision to further strengthen bilateral relations to meet the peace, security, and development aspirations of their citizens.

Security concerns were a central theme of their discussions. With ongoing terrorist threats across the Sahel and West Africa, both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to combating terrorism and cross-border crime. They emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration to safeguard regional stability and support development initiatives.

The two presidents also agreed to expand cooperation across political, economic, scientific, and cultural domains. A key decision announced was the intention to address barriers to stronger bilateral ties, including the reopening of the Bénin-Niger border. A joint expert committee has been established to identify and resolve existing challenges within a 15-day timeframe.

The visit concluded with President Tiani expressing his appreciation for the visit, while President Wadagni commended the warm hospitality. The Bénin leader extended an official invitation to President Tiani for a return visit, which was gratefully accepted. The visit’s conclusion reflects the shared commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership.