President Thomas Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin will pay a state visit to China from August 27 to September 2, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao announced today.

 

China resumed diplomatic ties with the West African country in 1972 after a break of six years. The upcoming visit will be Yayi's first China tour since he took office in April.

 

Since 1972, China has provided US$200 million in aid to Benin, and offered training programs and assistance with infrastructure and fishery, agriculture and industry development.

 

Sino-Beninese trade was worth US$690 million in 2004.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2006)