The Independent State of Samoa and the Republic of Benin formally established diplomatic relations on 8 May 2026. The Joint Communiqués were by H.E. Mr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations, on behalf of Samoa, and H.E. Mr. Marc Hermanne Gninadoou Araba, Permanent Representative of Benin to the United Nations.

The establishment of diplomatic relations will further strengthen both countries’ working relationship at the United Nations, advance their shared interest in promoting friendly ties, and open opportunities for cooperation to support their development priorities.

Following the signing ceremony, Benin formally handed over a proposal for a visa waiver agreement. A proposed draft agreement was handed over during the ceremony for consideration by Samoa. The two Ambassadors went on to discuss some of Samoa’s priorities, including sea-level rise, the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), and the importance of international law, particularly for small island developing states.