Kuwait bids warm farewell to Benin ambassador at diplomatic reception
At his farewell event, His Excellency Moudjaïdou Soumanou Issoufou described Kuwait as a key milestone in his diplomatic career and praised it as a hospitable and safe country with warm, welcoming people.
• His Excellency Moudjaïdou Soumanou Issoufou, Ambassador of Benin to Kuwait, praised growing cooperation in media, communications, anti-corruption, education, and culture and highlighted student exchanges and high-level diplomatic visits as key milestones in the relationship, describing bilateral ties as strong and steadily progressing.
His Excellency Moudjaïdou Soumanou Issoufou, Ambassador of Benin to Kuwait, praised the growing ties between Benin and Kuwait across various fields, including media, communications, anti-corruption efforts, education, and cultural exchange.
The ambassador highlighted student exchanges and high-level diplomatic visits as key milestones in the relationship, describing bilateral ties as strong and steadily progressing and also commended Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts in Africa through its active charitable organizations.
In a statement made on the sidelines of a farewell celebration hosted by the Deanship of the Diplomatic Corps to mark the end of his mission, Ambassador Moudjaïdou Soumanou Issoufou of Benin highlighted key milestones in Benin-Kuwait relations. The event was attended by several heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait, along with a representative from the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key deals between Kuwait and Benin nearing completion
Ambassador Issoufou said, “Important agreements have been initiated and are nearing completion, including a memorandum of understanding on domestic workers and an agreement on the mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports. Notable progress has also been made in economic and development cooperation.”
He pointed to “intensified cooperation with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development,” which has supported major infrastructure investments—such as drinking water supply projects in Koufé, Zagnadou, Bokoumbi, Bassila, and Alada, agricultural service initiatives, and the construction of the Chaourou Central Hospital and six additional health centers.
Agriculture, livestock, and fisheries project in final stages
Ambassador Issoufou also highlighted a comprehensive agriculture, livestock, and fisheries project that is “in its final stages.” He noted that the initiative—jointly undertaken by Benin’s Ministry of Agriculture and Kuwait’s Public Authority for Agriculture—aims to boost food security and expand exports of halal meat, food products, and other goods to Kuwait.
Beninese nationals in Kuwait increased from 900 in 2017 to more than 8,800 today
He continued, “Over the past years, I have worked to facilitate the employment of Beninese citizens in Kuwait and to defend their rights and well-being. The number of Beninese nationals in Kuwait has increased from 900 in 2017 to more than 8,800 today, reflecting successful efforts in this area.”
Reflecting on his tenure in Kuwait, the Benin ambassador said, “Kuwait was an important and distinguished milestone in my diplomatic career, and it was a wonderful experience.”
He described Kuwait as “a hospitable and safe country, with people known for their warm welcome.” He added, “I will greatly miss this wonderful atmosphere, especially during the celebration of Ramadan.”
For his part, His Excellency Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait, praised the Benin ambassador’s achievements during his eight-year tenure.
He highlighted Ambassador Issoufou’s role in enhancing bilateral relations and raising the level of cooperation in various fields. He noted that Ambassador Issoufou“played a key role in establishing partnerships between Kuwaiti charitable organizations and their Beninese counterparts, facilitating the opening of several NGO branches in Benin.”
