Benin has appointed renowned American filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, a seasoned producer and author, as its ambassadors for African-Americans in the US.
The couple are expected to serve as "thematic" ambassadors, raising awareness and supporting initiatives to promote Benin's ties with people of African descent.
The agreement was finalised during their visit to Cotonou, Benin's capital, last week, French public broadcaster RFI reports.
The government says it will help reconnect "people of African descent around the world to their historical, cultural, and spiritual roots".
Last year, the government passed a law offering nationality to people with an African ancestor who was taken from their homeland as part of the transatlantic slave trade.
The appointment of the ambassadors follows the recent launch of a website where the descendants of enslaved Africans can apply for citizenship.
RFI reports that Tonya Lewis Lee was among hundreds of people who applied and received a favourable response. She was in Benin last year.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y0ydnvjwpo
