During their tête-à-tête, the two leaders reviewed existing bilateral initiatives and tasked their respective delegations with advancing strategic cooperation across key sectors.
'Following their talks, President Kagame and President Romuald Wadagni of Benin tasked their respective delegations with strengthening existing bilateral cooperation and advancing new areas of collaboration, with a focus on translating shared priorities into concrete outcomes,' stated the Office of the President.
President Kagame also hosted President Wadagni for an official lunch following their meeting.
Wadagni, 49, assumed office on May 24, 2026, succeeding Patrice Talon following his victory in the April 12 presidential election. His trip to Kigali marks his first official visit to Rwanda since taking office.
Cooperation between Rwanda and Benin has expanded significantly in recent years, underpinned by key agreements signed during President Kagame's state visit to Benin in April 2023. Most notably, the security and defence agreement was established to help Benin secure its northern borders against the southward spillover of Sahel-based jihadist insurgencies, drawing on the Rwandan Defence Forces' operational experience through joint training, strategic coaching, and potential security deployments.
Beyond defense, these bilateral frameworks encompass trade and investment, agriculture, digital transformation, tourism, taxation, and institutional development.
The two-day visit serves as an opportunity for both governments to evaluate ongoing progress, streamline the cross-border movement of people and goods, and map out new avenues for economic integration between East and West Africa.
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