Kirit Vardhan Singh’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire strengthens bilateral ties and reflects India’s wider diplomatic and strategic engagement across Africa…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirit Vardhan Singh’s recent visit to Cote d’Ivoire is expected to further strengthen India’s growing partnership with the West African nation, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
The visit was also part of India’s broader engagement with Africa, with the two countries seeking to expand cooperation across economic, development, defence and people-to-people ties.
Singh visited Abidjan from August 6 to 8 at the invitation of the Government of Cote d’Ivoire. He attended the West African country’s 66th National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
The MEA said the visit provided a “valuable opportunity” to further consolidate the momentum in India-Cote d’Ivoire relations.
The ministry said the warm reception accorded to Singh and the visiting Indian Armed Forces contingent reflected the depth of goodwill and friendship between the two countries.
During the visit, Singh attended the National Day celebrations and witnessed the participation of an Indian Armed Forces Marching Contingent in the National Day Parade.
He also held substantive bilateral discussions with Niale Kaba, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cote d’Ivoire.
Singh also called on Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara during the visit.
According to the MEA, the discussions covered the full range of bilateral relations, including economic and development cooperation, defence and security partnership and people-to-people ties.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the multifaceted India-Cote d’Ivoire relationship.
The ministry also highlighted Singh’s interaction with the Indian diaspora in Abidjan as an important part of the visit.
“MoS appreciated the valuable contribution of the Indian community towards strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Côte d’Ivoire, and reiterated the Government of India’s continued commitment to the welfare, safety and well-being of the Indian citizens overseas and the Indian diaspora,” the MEA said.
India and Cote d’Ivoire have been building closer engagement in recent years, with cooperation extending beyond traditional diplomatic ties. The latest visit offered an opportunity for both sides to review existing areas of partnership and explore further avenues of cooperation.
The participation of an Indian Armed Forces marching contingent in the National Day parade also provided a visible element to the expanding defence relationship between the two countries.
Singh’s meetings with senior Ivorian leaders further underlined India’s focus on strengthening relations with African nations through political engagement, development cooperation and security partnerships.
The MEA said the visit is expected to impart further impetus to bilateral ties and contribute to India’s wider engagement with Africa.
