Experts from Benin and Niger concluded meetings in Cotonou on June 21st aimed at resolving a diplomatic dispute and reopening their shared border, which has been closed since 2023. The discussions resulted in the drafting of three new cooperation agreements. These agreements require final validation from both countries’ heads of state before they can be signed and implemented. A source close to the negotiations indicated that normalization of relations, including the border reopening, is contingent upon this approval. The meetings represent a significant step towards mending strained relations between the neighboring nations. The specifics of the cooperation projects have not yet been publicly disclosed. Full normalization remains dependent on high-level governmental sign-off.