Qatar Economic Forum 2025: President Patrice Talon positions Benin on the Gulf Emirates market

As guest of honor of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, the President of the Republic, Mr. Patrice Talon, took part in the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Benin and Qatar.

This presence illustrates the Head of State's commitment to positioning Benin as a key player on the global economic scene by establishing strategic partnerships and attracting foreign investment to support its economic development.

Significant Benefits

On the sidelines of this forum, President Patrice Talon held fruitful discussions with the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. These discussions resulted in the signing of six (06) Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Benin, including: an Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic or Special Passports, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Mechanism for Political and Diplomatic Consultations, a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Fields of Agriculture and Food Security, a Cooperation Agreement in the Fields of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Mutual Recognition of Seafarers' Certificates, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Fields of Tourism and Business Events.

This visit by the President of the Republic to Qatar demonstrates Benin's commitment to boosting its economic diplomacy and establishing strategic partnerships for its development. It should be noted that late in the morning, the President of the Republic was received in audience by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.