Benin–Russia relations are the bilateral relations between Benin and Russia.
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Soviet-era relations
editThe Soviet Union recognised the Republic of Dahomey as an independent and sovereign state on 18 August 1960, and diplomatic relations between the two states were established on 4 June 1962.[1] From 24 July 1962, diplomatic relations between the two countries were conducted via the Soviet Embassy in Togo, until 1 February 1966, when the first Soviet Ambassador to Benin, Alexander Nikitich Abramov, was appointed.[2][3]
Relations between the two countries were initially minimal, however, Soviet interactions with the country intensified after Mathieu Kérékou came to power in a coup in October 1972, and who proclaimed in 1974 that Dahomey would follow a Marxist-Leninist course. This saw the Soviet Union becoming Kérékou's major political ally in the international stage.[3][4] From 1974 to 1983, more than 60% of Benin's arms imports were from the Soviet Union.[5]
The Soviet Navy made periodic port calls to Cotonou, where between 1953 and 1980 a total of 462 ship days were spent in the capital.[6]
In November 1986, Kérékou went on a state visit to the Soviet Union, and met with Mikhail Gorbachev. During the visit a declaration of friendship and co-operation was signed.[7]
Russian Federation relations
editOn 9 January 1992 Benin recognised the Russian Federation as the successor state to the Soviet Union, after the latter's dissolution.[3] Russia has an embassy in Cotonou, and Benin has an embassy in Moscow.
References
edit- ^ Ginsburgs, George; Slusser, Robert M. (1981). A calendar of Soviet treaties, 1958-1973. BRILL. p. 795. ISBN 90-286-0609-2. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
- ^ Послы Союза Советских Социалистических Республик В Странах Африканского Региона (in Russian). Worldwide Historical Project. Archived from the original on 25 April 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2009.
- ^ a b c Российско-бенинские отношения (in Russian). Embassy of Russia in Benin. Archived from the original on 28 February 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
- ^ "Benin Hazardous Waste". American University. 1 December 2000. Archived from the original on 24 June 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
- ^ Babbitt, James (1989). SOVIET ARMS TRANSFERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA. WHAT ARE THEY WORTH IN THE UNITED NATIONS?. pp. 58–59.
- ^ Harkavy, Robert E. (1989). Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (ed.). Bases Abroad. Oxford University Press. pp. 53, 61. ISBN 0-19-829131-0.
- ^ Бенин (Страны мира 1987 год) (in Russian). Strani.ru. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
External links
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