Minister Talvitie visits Benin

Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie travelled to Benin. The focus of the visit was to repatriate to Benin the Kataklè, a ceremonial royal stool.

Finland repatriated to the Republic of Benin the Kataklè, a royal three-legged ceremonial stool that had become part of the Finnish National Museum's collection in 1939. The repatriation, or handing over, took place during a ceremonial event in Benin on 13 May. It was attended by Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie.

Preparations for the repatriation of the royal stool were discussed during Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs Olushegun Adjadi Bakari’s visit to Finland in November 2024.

Minister Talvitie also visited Villa Karo, the Finnish Institute for West-Africa, which is commemorating 25 years of service. The Minister’s entourage comprises a business delegation that was looking into Benin's infrastructure projects, among other things.

Inquiries:
- Santeri Lohi, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 330353
- Piia Immonen-Seuguenot, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Cultural Affairs, tel. +358 50 307 7566