30 September 2014 - Philippine Ambassador Alex V. Lamadrid called on Prof. Nassirou Bako-Arifari, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophonie and Benin Diaspora, on September 18 at the sidelines of Ambassador Lamadrid’s presentation of his Letters of Credence to Benin President Boni Yayi.

Before calling on the Beninese Foreign Minister, Ambassador Lamadrid met with Ambassador Saturnin F. M. Tonoukouin, Director of State Protocol, for a briefing on the ceremony of the presentation of credentials. The Ambassador then proceeded to the Foreign Minister’s office, where he presented the open copies of his Letters of Credence to Foreign Minister Nassirou Bako-Arifari.

During the warm and cordial bilateral meeting between Ambassador Lamadrid and Foreign Minister Arifari, the Philippine Ambassador conveyed the sincere greetings of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and his best wishes for the Beninese Foreign Minister’s well-being. Ambassador Lamadrid and Foreign Minister Arifari briefed each other on the significant political and economic developments in each other’s country and region, and explored ways of further enhancing the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and Benin.

Ambassador Lamadrid  invited Beninese business persons to attend Philippine trade fairs such as the forthcoming Manila FAME in October.

For his part, Foreign Minister Arifari invited Philippine businessmen to consider trade and investment opportunities in Benin, particularly in infrastructure projects such as housing, road construction, seaports, airports, hotels and hospitality industries, agriculture, fishing, education, handicrafts and souvenirs, microfinance,  and other areas.

The Philippine Ambassador was accompanied by the Philippine Honorary Consul to Cotonou, Benin Mr. Tomasso Berruti and the Philippine Embassy’s Assistance-To-Nationals Officer Mr. Raymund Ondiano. END