Russian President Vladimir Putin (R), Ambassador of Republic of Benin to Russia Noukpo Clement Kiki (C) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) attend a ceremony of presenting ambassadors' credentials at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on April 11, 2018. (AFP PHOTO)

MOSCOW, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Benin have discussed strengthening trade, economic and humanitarian ties, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, on a working visit to Benin's largest city Cotonou, met with Beninese President Patrice Talon and held consultations with Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration Aurelien Agbenonci on Monday.

Both sides discussed training Beninese professionals, a mutually beneficial partnership in investment, and joint exploration and development of natural resources, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Bogdanov, who is also Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, exchanged views on current international and African issues with the Beninese side.

The diplomat explained Moscow's position on the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process in Syria and Libya, and Iran's nuclear program, which were "well received" by the Beninese leaders, the ministry said.

The two sides also stressed their resolve to enhance political dialogue and coordinate positions at the United Nations and other international organizations.