President Paul Kagame, yesterday, received the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, who is on a three-day State visit to Rwanda.

On arrival, President Talon was received by President Kagame and senior government officials, before going to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre where he toured the memorial and also laid a wreath in honor of the Genocide victims laid to rest at the memorial tombs, according to a statement from presidency.

President Talon was later in the evening hosted by President Kagame to a State Dinner at the Radisson Blue Hotel and Convention Centre, Kigali.

"Rwanda and Benin enjoy excellent relationship and open collaboration on African and international issues,” the statement said. The two countries signed a bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) in March and RwandAir is due to start flights to Cotonou on September 2.

The two countries also exchanged a draft general cooperation agreement which will be signed soon, it added.

During his stay, President Talon is scheduled to hold discussions with President Kagame on bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the statement said.

Talon will also visit Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro, tour Rwanda Development Board and hold a joint news conference with Kagame. editorial@newtimes.co.rw