Senate of Benin: the President of the Federation Council of Russia, Valentina Matvienko, congratulates Talon.

In a message conveyed on Thursday, August 13, the Russian official welcomed the arrival of the former head of state to the presidency of this new institution. She emphasized that his experience could be an asset in supporting the establishment and functioning of the Beninese Senate.

Valentina Matvienko also highlighted the existing relations between Moscow and Cotonou. She expressed the Federation Council of Russia’s willingness to strengthen exchanges with the Beninese Senate, particularly through the development of interparliamentary cooperation.

This initiative comes a few days after the official installation of the Beninese Senate on July 30, 2026. Arising from the constitutional reform that established bicameralism, this new chamber complements the National Assembly in the parliamentary architecture of the country.

The election of Patrice Talon to the presidency of the Senate thus marks the beginning of a new phase in the establishment of this institution. The congratulations from the president of the Russian upper house also reflect Moscow’s interest in developing parliamentary relations with Benin.