New Delhi, January 22: Uniting ties with strong bilateral and diplomatic relation, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the first convention centre established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the establishment of the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India's firm commitment towards Africa.
The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre is the first centre to be established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th Birth Anniversary was observed last year. The convention centre has been designed as a spacious, modern and eco-friendly facility, including a 2,000 capacity Plenary Hall, to witness high-level and wide-ranging participation from African Union member states and other high-level conventions.
Joined President @IssoufouMhm at the inauguration of the #MahatmaGandhi International Convention Centre in Niamey, Niger. Project completed by Indian companies in 14 months. Delivering on the #IndiaAfrica partnership. New India's diplomacy at work. pic.twitter.com/CYt4yi3KJG
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2020
EAM Jaishankar, the first Indian Foreign Minister to visit the West African country, arrived in Niamey on Monday on the first leg of his three-day two-nation trip to Niger and Tunisia. The tour is his first outreach to the African continent after becoming Foreign Minister last year.
Earlier, EAM Jaishankar met Prime Minister Brigi Rafini during which the two leaders discussed bilateral ties. He also met his counterpart of Niger, Kalla Ankourao and held discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues. The bilateral relations have expanded significantly in recent years. India has provided Lines of Credit to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water.