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 Benin |  Russia |
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Benin–Russia relations are thebilateral relations betweenBenin andRussia.
TheSoviet Union recognised theRepublic of Dahomey as an independent and sovereign state on 18 August 1960, anddiplomatic 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 theSoviet Embassy in Togo, until 1 February 1966, when the firstSoviet 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 afterMathieu Kérékou came to power in a coup in October 1972, and who proclaimed in 1974 that Dahomey would follow aMarxist-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]
TheSoviet Navy made periodic port calls toCotonou, where between 1953 and 1980 a total of 462 ship days were spent in the capital.[6]
In November 1986, Kérékou went on astate visit to the Soviet Union, and met withMikhail Gorbachev. During the visit adeclaration of friendship and co-operation was signed.[7]
On 9 January 1992 Benin recognised theRussian Federation as thesuccessor state to the Soviet Union, after thelatter's dissolution.[3] Russia has anembassy in Cotonou, and Benin has an embassy in Moscow.
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