Health, tourism and education, but also the fight against climate change and, above all, culture are the "five priorities" evoked by the French president Emmanuel Macron, who received his Beninese counterpart Patrice Talon today at the Elysée, to "intensify the partnership ”Between France and Benin.
During the joint press conference that took place at the end of their meeting, Macron said “Benin is a stable, democratic country and a friend of France”. The head of the Elysée welcomed "the courageous reform program" implemented by Talon, which reflects "an ambitious policy aimed at reviving the country's economic growth".
For his part, the president of Benin recalled that Paris is "a privileged partner" for Porto Novo. "We have undertaken courageous and unpopular reforms but we know that it is the only way out", he later said, adding that "there is some tension but it is a sign that it is okay".
In the health sector, Macron confirmed the commitment of the public investment bank with a credit insurance of 176 million euros. In the field of fighting climate change and policies for the development of sustainable cities, the French leader has announced an "ambitious program" for Cotonou and three other cities in Benin. During the meeting, an agreement was signed with the French Development Agency (Afd) which provides for funding of 58 million euros. Aid also in the tourism sector, considered as one of the "great priorities".
Macron pledged the support of France, which has "recognized expertise in this field". Aid foreseen by the French Development Agency rises to 43 million euros. "We are counting heavily on France to accompany us in cultural cooperation", commented Talon, underlining the desire to "make tourism a major pillar of the Beninese economy".
In the cultural field, Macron recalled what was announced in Ougadougou during his last visit last November, when he underlined the desire to "see the cultural heritage of several African countries exposed and preserved in Africa". The French head of state has pledged to make "temporary or final" returns. For this, the government has asked the historian Benedicte Savoy and the Senegalese writer Felwine Sarr to carry out "a work of reflection and consultation" that should end in November. According to Macron, African heritage must be valued in Paris, but also in Dakar, Lagos, Coutounou. Talon concluded his speech by stating that what interests him is to be able to present the heritage of his country.