Beninese President Romuald Wadagni has paid a working visit to Côte d’Ivoire, during which he and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

According to a joint statement after the visit, the two leaders expressed shared views on the need to reinforce regional cooperation mechanisms and pledged continued dialogue in pursuit of African integration and solidarity.

The statement said both presidents welcomed the strong partnership between their countries and reiterated their determination to further deepen bilateral ties.

It added that Côte d’Ivoire and Benin intended to strengthen coordination in response to persistent security and economic challenges facing West Africa.

The two countries also pledged to accelerate cooperation on major projects in the areas of trade, infrastructure and energy to support regional stability and development.

The leaders underscored the importance of peace and stability in West Africa amid prevailing security, economic and climate challenges confronting the region, the statement said.

(Xinhua/NAN)