Haiti and Benin maintain diplomatic relations with a Haitian office in Cotonou, although Benin does not currently maintain an official diplomatic presence in the country due to the 2010 earthquake. Benin contributed a contingency of 32 police/civilian personnel to MINUSTAH.[citation needed]
The two countries share an extensive cultural history by way of the Atlantic slave trade and the resulting importing of Vodou as a religious force in Haitian society. The earthquake was followed, among many reactions, by an outburst of solidarity prayers in Benin with the victims.[2] Traditional ceremonies were organized to appease the spirits and seek the blessing of ancestors for the Haitians.[3]
Bilateral agreements
During the 1st "Benin-CARICOM Foreign Ministers Meeting" in Cotonou, Haitian foreign minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste met with his Beninois counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari where they signed a Memorandum of understanding on January 8, 2025, renewable after 5 years, facilitating regular political consultation on bilateral and international issues. Haiti and Benin also agreed to deepen cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, education, culture, scientific research, defense, security, among others.[4]
Defense and Security
On January 11, 2025, at the Sofitel Hotel, a memorandum of understanding was signed by both parties, by which Haiti and Benin agreed to support one another in the fight against organized crimes and other related activities. The memorandum also included military training, Intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and military assistance in the event of threats in or to either nations.[5]
Resident diplomatic missions
The Special Envoy of Benin to Haiti is based at the Benin Embassy in Brasília, Brazil.[6]
