Europe Asia News

Benin is celebrating the anniversary of its independence.

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the People’s Republic of Benin gained independence from French colonial rule on August 1, 1960.

The statement noted that French influence in the territory of the former Kingdom of Dahomey began in the late 19th century and that the region became part of the French colonial administration in 1894.

Benin became an overseas territory of France in 1946 and the self-governing Republic of Dahomey in 1958. The country gained full independence in 1960 and adopted the name Benin in 1975.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and Dahomey were established on June 4, 1962, and that cooperation between the two countries developed during the 1970s.

The statement added that Russia and Benin currently maintain political dialogue and have the potential to expand cooperation in trade, the economy, and investment.

The Russian Foreign Ministry congratulated the people of Benin on their national day and wished the country peace and prosperity.