Zhang Wei (R), Chinese ambassador to Benin, shakes hands with Franck Armel Afoukou, secretary-general of the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Cotonou, Benin, Sept. 29, 2026. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)
COTONOU, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Benin held a reception Tuesday evening in Cotonou to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xinhua observed at the scene.
Held under the theme of "friendship and cooperation," the celebration brought together several hundred guests, including lawmakers, mayors, former presidents of Benin's democratic institutions, senior officials of the Beninese public administration, teachers from the Confucius Institute of the University of Abomey-Calavi, diplomats accredited to Benin, and Chinese nationals living in Cotonou.
"The Minister of Foreign Affairs has conveyed the warm congratulations of the government and people of Benin to the government and people of China, as well as our sincere wishes for greater peace, prosperity and success," said Franck Armel Afoukou, secretary-general of the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Zhang Wei, Chinese ambassador to Benin, noted that this year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
"These two anniversaries testify to a long journey of progress and renewal. For more than a century, under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have overcome numerous challenges and transformed their country. From reconstruction to reform and opening up, and then to sustained development, China has become a prosperous and strong nation," he said.
Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two officials spoke highly of the vitality of China-Benin relations.
For Afoukou, beyond being a simple relationship between states, the China-Benin partnership serves as a bridge between the two peoples, who share a common aspiration for progress, prosperity and peace.
"May this exemplary cooperation continue to grow stronger, diversify and deliver ever more beneficial results for the development of our two nations and future generations," he said.
According to Zhang, mutual trust between China and Benin is growing stronger day by day.
"We are pleased to see China and Benin move forward hand in hand in a spirit of mutual benefit. Together, we are making our relations a fine example of China-Africa friendship and cooperation," he said. ■
