EPA > Activities > Official visits

On April 20, 2005, EPA welcomed a delegation of French senators, members of the Groupe d'amitié France-Afrique de l'Ouest (Senatorial France / West Africa Friendship group), led by Mr Jacques Legendre, and composed of Mrs Michelle Demessine and Colette Melot, Messrs Bernard Piras, Gérard Roujas, Daniel Soulage. This visit enabled the senators to have an idea of the work carried out by EPA in the fields of training and conservation of sub-Saharan African cultural heritage. "This is an important visit which is an honour for us at EPA and gives us the opportunity to reinforce our relationship with this prestigious institution of the French Republic" said Alain Godonou, director of EPA, who added: "it is very important that we share our experience because it is an encouraging initiative for all those who work for the safeguarding of African cultural heritage; to this end, the French Senate has already shown its support". EPA wanted to talk about its Endowment Fund which has just started its third fundraising campaign, but also about its training activities such as the workshop on Museum visitor policies which will take place next May, the work in hand such as the rehabilitation of the historic town of Porto-Novo, etc. The French senators also appreciated the work carried out during the rehabilitation of EPA headquarters, a colonial building, given to EPA by the Beninese government. The senators left in EPA's guest book the following message: "The delegation of the Senatorial France-West Africa Friendship group of the French Senate insisted upon visiting EPA because we are aware of the remarkable work carried out here in the service of African cultural heritage. We wish you success in your work and remain attentive to your work and needs." The EPA Endowment Fund has already reached 72.2% of its targeted amount estimated at about 2,250,000 euros (2,900,000 USD), and is an original answer to ensure the survival of the institution. Since December 2004, EPA has welcomed H.E. Mr Horst Köhler, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mrs Conny Mayer, member of the German Parliament, accompanied by Mr Klaus Loetzer, Resident Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Benin, H.E. Mr Wayne E. Neill, Ambassador of the United States of America in Benin, and Mr John A. Cushing, director of the American Cultural Center in Cotonou.

Group photograph on the front steps of EPA       Visit of EPA headquarters