Latvia ready to listen to and cooperate on issues important to African countries - Rinkevics

RIGA - Latvia is prepared to listen to, and cooperate on issues important to African countries, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (New Unity) said during a visit to Benin. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Rinkevics visited Benin where he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin, Aurelien Agbenonci, the Minister of State for Economy, Finance and Denationalization, Romuald Vadagni, and the Ministers for Digital Economy and Communications, Health, Trade and Industry, Science and Research.

At the meetings, the officials voiced their interest in developing political dialogue and deepening economic cooperation between Benin and Latvia, as well as in working closer together in international organizations. Developments in the Sahel, including the security situation in Mali and Burkina Faso, were also discussed. Rinkevics expressed readiness to seek ways at the EU level to support the region more effectively, especially in combating terrorism.

In the course of his visit, the foreign minister gave a speech at the Latvia-Benin Business Forum, which was attended by the abovementioned members of the Benin government, as well as representatives from the sectors of information and communication technologies, education, science, research and innovation, as well as the timber and chemical industries of Latvia and Benin. Rinkevics with a business delegation then visited the newly established industrial zone and the companies located there.