Abidjan, Aug 6 (IANS) Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, on Thursday arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to participate in the 66th Independence Day celebrations.
“Arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to participate in the 66th Independence Day celebrations. Honoured to be in this beautiful country and to join the Government and the people of Cote d’Ivoire on this important national occasion,” MoS Singh stated on X.
Cote d’Ivoire celebrates its Independence Day every year on August 7th, marking the day the country gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.
Last week, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and the Chief of Air Staff of the Cote d’Ivoire Air Force, Major General Koffi N’Guessan, held discussions on strengthening defence cooperation, military-to-military engagement and issues of mutual interest.
Major General Koffi N’Guessan was presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Air Headquarters in New Delhi ahead of the meeting.
According to the Indian Air Force, the visit featured discussions on issues of mutual interest and avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance military-to-military engagement.
Major General Koffi N’Guessan Alfred held a meeting with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, with discussions held on strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing the capabilities of the Ivory Coast Air Force.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the two sides discussed ongoing and potential avenues for defence cooperation and exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to enhance the capabilities of the Ivory Coast Air Force, reaffirming the shared commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties.
Major General Alfred also visited the National War Memorial and paid homage to India’s brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
He signed the visitors’ book at the National War Memorial and called it a “great honour” to pay tribute to brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces who made the sacrifice in the service of the nation.
–IANS
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