February 4, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, in an official meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday, officials reported, underscoring Riyadh’s commitment to expanding diplomatic cooperation with West African nations.
The engagement, confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), focused on reviewing and enhancing existing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Benin, with both ministers exchanging views on regional and international developments of mutual concern. The discussions also touched on ways to deepen political, economic and cultural ties between the two governments, a reflection of growing interest in expanding partnerships across regions.
Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement in strengthening collaborative frameworks and tackling shared challenges, including efforts to promote peace and stability in Africa and beyond. Beninese Foreign Minister Bakari affirmed his country’s appreciation for the dialogue, signalling a desire for strengthened bilateral engagement across key sectors.
The meeting aligns with Riyadh’s broader foreign policy strategy of building diversified international partnerships, particularly with African states a continent seen as vital for future economic cooperation, investment, and strategic collaboration. Saudi officials have consistently emphasised that such bilateral exchanges are designed to enhance understanding and cooperation on global issues, including trade, security and cultural exchange.
Diplomatic observers say that engagements like this reflect evolving global geopolitics in which Gulf countries are actively cultivating multidirectional relationships with African capitals, aiming to foster stability, facilitate investment flows and support development objectives in partner states.
The Saudi–Benin meeting in Riyadh is the latest in a series of recent ministerial dialogues involving Saudi Arabia and African counterparts, indicating continued momentum in Saudi foreign relations beyond traditional regional boundaries.