Qatar and Benin eye direct flights, airline collaboration in new bilateral push

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral ties across multiple sectors, including aviation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and culture. Regional and international developments of mutual concern were also discussed.

Following the meeting, a joint statement described the visit as a milestone in Qatar-Benin relations.

Both countries expressed interest in increasing cooperation in aviation, with the possibility of direct flights between Doha and Cotonou and collaboration between Qatar Airways and Benin’s Amazon Airlines.

This step would contribute to enhancing Benin’s economic attractiveness, attracting investments, stimulating tourism, freight transport, and cultural exchange.

Qatar reiterated its commitment to supporting development initiatives in Africa, particularly in infrastructure, education, and health. Both countries also agreed to deepen cultural collaboration through exhibitions and institutional exchanges.

The statement concluded with a pledge to enhance bilateral consultations, coordinate positions in multilateral forums, and promote a shared vision for an inclusive and sovereign global order.

In a wave of strategic economic diplomacy, countries from the Middle East under the banner of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have significantly ramped up investments across Africa in 2025.

Last month, Business Insider Africa reported Middle Eastern countries have either shown interest in or secured deals worth at least $6 billion in African energy assets in recent weeks, showing the region’s growing investment appetite on the continent.