India and Côte d’Ivoire held their First Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on March 29 in Abidjan. Rahul Chhabra, Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs and Daouda Diabate, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, co-chaired the FOC.
The two sides acknowledged the strong bilateral relations that exist and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen based on the shared visions, principles and the value of democracy.
“Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations especially cooperation in key sectors such as trade and investment, automobiles, agriculture, energy, industry, security, healthcare and pharmaceutical as well as development cooperation”, a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“Both sides noted with appreciation the cooperation on COVID-19 related issues. Both sides also agreed to further enhance their cooperation in their fight against this dangerous pandemic”, the press release added.
During the talks, it was noted that the trade volume between the two countries has been growing, but remained far below their potential. “Both sides agreed to take all possible steps to promote bilateral trade & investment. Both sides agreed to encourage two ways investments and agreed to expedite the finalization of the MOU on Bilateral Investment Agreement”, the press release said.
To enhance the capacity of Ivoirian entities in these priority areas and to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire-India development partnership, the Government of India may extend lines of credit and buyer’s credit arrangements.
Côte D’Ivoire’s Foreign Minister Ally Coulibaly also expressed gratitude for the constant assistance and solidarity shown by India towards Côte d’Ivoire and specifically mentioned India’s gifting of 50,000 doses of Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines.
“The meetings were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, a reflection of the historic bonds of friendship between the two countries. Both sides agreed to hold the next consultations at New Delhi at a mutually convenient date”, the press release added.
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