Consolidating relations, Prez Kovind signs agreement for cooperation and development with Equatorial Guinean

Malabo, April 9: In the first-ever visit to African nations aiming to deepen ties, President Ram Nath Kovind said that India is keen to enhance development cooperation with Equatorial Guinea. Holding delegation talks with the Equatorial Guinean counterpart Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, both reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discussed ways of expanding it.

During the delegation talks between the two countries several agreements have been aimed to be signed by both. The agreements signed elaborate the interest of the nations in for cooperation in various fields including traditional system of medicine, medicinal plants, Information and Technology and Health.

 

Speaking on the occasion, President Kovid said that the two countries have enjoyed warm and cordial relations. India accords the highest importance to its relationship with Equatorial Guinea. It is in that spirit that the government of India has decided to open an embassy in Equatorial Guinea. This will give a major boost to the countries relations.

 

The President further said that the economies of our two countries are complementary. Equatorial Guinea is endowed with hydrocarbons and mineral resources, and India with human and financial capital and low-cost technical expertise. The full potential of our bilateral engagement is far from realised. India looks forward to partnering with Equatorial Guinea in facilitating government-to-government development cooperation as well as business-to-business contacts.

 

Speaking on cooperation and development, the President said India is keen to enhance its development cooperation partnership with Equatorial Guinea. It is in that spirit India has offered assistance to set up an Entrepreneurial Development Centre and an English Language Laboratory in Equatorial Guinea. It will also do its best to support Equatorial Guinea in agriculture, mining, health, telecommunications and Information Technology.

After the delegation talks the President of India will move forward to address the Indian community in Equatorial Guinea. In the second leg of his visit, the President will travel to Swaziland and Zambia. President Kovind's three nation visit aims to further deepen India's relations with the African nations.