Abidjan, Aug 8 (IANS) Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, on Saturday interacted with the Indian community in the West African nation of Cote d’Ivoire. MoS Singh arrived in Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday to participate in the 66th Independence Day celebrations of the country.
“It was a pleasure to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Abidjan. Their warmth and enthusiasm reaffirmed the enduring bonds between India and its diaspora. The inspiring cultural performances by our young artists beautifully showcased India’s rich heritage and traditions,” the minister stated on X.
On Friday, he attended the Independence Day celebrations and conveyed that India deeply values its warm and enduring friendship with Cote d’Ivoire.
“Warm greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of Cote d’Ivoire on the occasion of the 66th Independence Day. India deeply values its warm and enduring friendship with Cote d’Ivoire and remains committed to further strengthening our close and multifaceted partnership. May Cote d’Ivoire continue to progress on the path of peace, progress and prosperity,” MoS Singh wrote on X.
“It is a privilege for the Indian Armed Forces marching contingent to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in Abidjan. Their presence reflects the deepening bonds of friendship and goodwill between our two countries,” he added.
The Indian Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire noted that the Indian Army’s marching contingent arrived on an Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-76 aircraft and participated in a ‘spectacular’ military parade.
The contingent was commanded by Major Sandeep Dhillon and comprised of 60 officers and other ranks of the regiment of Artillery.
“The invitation to the Indian marching contingent by the Ivorian government is a testament to the growing Defence cooperation between India and Cote d’Ivoire,” stated the embassy.
Earlier on Friday, MoS Singh met Niale Kaba, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cote d’Ivoire and exchanged views on further strengthening ties between the two countries.
“Met H.E. Ms. Nialé Kaba, Hon’ble Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. Had a productive exchange of views on further strengthening the longstanding and close ties between India and Côte d’Ivoire, and on expanding bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest,” noted the minister.
–IANS
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