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Speech by His Excellency Mr. Sailas Thangal, Ambassador of India at reception Ceremony on the occasion of 70th Republic Day of India at India House, Abidjan on 26 January 2019

Posted on: January 25, 2019 | Back | Print

Bonsoir, Good evening, Namaskar, As-salamu alaykum, Vanak-kum, Akwaba, bienvenue

Hon’ble Vice-President Daniel Kablan Duncan and Ministers

Excellency Mr Daouda Diabate, Secretary General, MOFA

My dear colleagues Ambassadors,

Members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations.

Indian Community, Friends of India and dear friends from media.

 

Ladies & Gentlemen: Welcome one and all to India House. I would like to begin by thanking His Excellency the Vice President Monsieur Daniel Kablan Duncan, for his august presence at India House today to grace India’s National Day Reception on the occasion of 70th Republic Day.

 

On behalf of Government and people of India, my family, my Embassy official and on my own be-half, let me take this opportunity to convey New Year greetings to one and all on this solemn occasion of India’s National Day.

 

Today we have assembled to celebrate the day on which India’s Constitution came into effect on 26th January, 1950 that ensured governance of India by her own people through the democratic process of election and protection of her people’s rights by the written constitution. Together with Independence Day, the Republic Day completes the nationhood of a strong, self-respecting, fully sovereign India with Constitutional supremacy.

 

India and Cote d'Ivoire have cordial relations & are poised for deeper friendship, expanding our cooperation and partnership. There have been regular exchanges of high level visits, Vice President H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan had visited India three times, President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee visited Cote d’Ivoire in June 2016 and there have been exchanges of many ministerial visits. These visits and interactions have opened up a large number of avenues for cooperation to enhance and concretize our relations in all spheres including trade and investments between our two countries.

 

India’s development partnership with Cote d’Ivoire (CI) is always guided by simple principle, that is, to work on the CI priorities. India always relies on CI talents and skills, India cooperate to build local capacity to create local opportunities. This simple principle of India is to take the high road of Peace development & progress together.

 

India is ready to share its experience of digital revolution to support CI’s development; improve delivery of public services; improve education and health services; spread digital literacy; expand financial inclusion; and bring the marginalized to mainstream by working together with Cote d’Ivoire.  Mahatma Gandhi IT & Biotechnology Park in Grand Bassam is a shining example. This project is pioneering in priority areas for CI, such as the first computer assembling line and the first DNA Lab in the region.

 

Over the last 6 years, CI has become an engine of economic growth in West Africa, enjoying an average annual growth of around 9% and is a best example of Africa-on-the-move. Today, Cote d’Ivoire stands on the threshold of a bright future with great promises; she is youthful, confident, and innovative, tops it up with dynamic leadership & vibrant people. Cote d’Ivoire is an example of what Africa can do in 21st Century.

 

I have been in Cote d'Ivoire for over 3 months and I have been meeting & interacting with the dynamic leaders of Cote d’Ivoire and vibrant Indian community to bridge the information gap to build stronger India Cote d’Ivoire relations. Hence my mission in Abidjan is to promote India-Cote d’Ivoire partnership and also serve the interests of India and Indians residing in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

I must say, myself and my family really feel at home both professionally and personally. This would not have been possible without the warm reception that we have received and willingness to work together on the part of the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire and our vibrant Indian community here. The government of India is extremely pleased and proud of Indian community for their contributions to Cote d’Ivoire’s development and in building India-Cote d’Ivoire friendship.

    

I am extremely happy to note that both India and Cote d’Ivoire governments have the political will and desire to take our relations to highest possible level by working together as equal partners especially in priority areas. Both governments would like to encourage private sectors to take advantage of plethora of opportunities for cooperation that exist between our two countries. I have said it on numerous occasions and I reiterate that our cooperation offers unbound opportunities which are yet to be fully tapped.

 

I take this opportunity to convey the Government and People of India’s appreciation to the leadership of Cote d'Ivoire – H.E. President Alassane Ouattara, H.E. Madam Dominique Ouattara, Vice President HE Mr Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Amoudou Gon Coulibally and his entire Government for their continued benevolence and graciousness towards Indian community in Cote d'Ivoire.  

 

I especially also would like to thank Indian community for their unceasing support and cooperation to Embassy in building our friendship with our host country.

 

    With these words, Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Vice President HE Daniel Kablan Duncan, for representing the Government of Cote d’Ivoire and joining us for the celebrations of the 70th Republic Day of India. I also thank each one of you for your participation this evening. I would also like to thank Madame Juliana for her arrangement, I thank my colleagues who worked hard to make this event memorable, I thank everyone who has contributed directly or indirectly in organizing this function. Thank you.


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