Abidjan, Aug 7 (IANS) Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Friday stated that India valued its warm and enduring friendship with Cote d’Ivoire, as he attended the country’s 66th Independence Day celebrations in Abidjan.
“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 stated on X.
He added that it was a privilege for the Indian Armed Forces marching contingent to participate in the celebrations, noting that their presence reflected the deepening bonds of friendship and goodwill between the two countries.
MoS Singh arrived in Abidjan on Thursday to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.
“Arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to participate in the 66th Independence Day celebrations. Honoured to be in this beautiful country and to join the Government and the people of Cote d’Ivoire on this important national occasion,” he stated on X.
Cote d’Ivoire celebrates its Independence Day every year on August 7, marking the day the country gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.
Last week, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and the Chief of Air Staff of the Cote d’Ivoire Air Force, Major General Koffi N’Guessan, held discussions on strengthening defence cooperation, military‑to‑military engagement and issues of mutual interest.
Major General Koffi N’Guessan was presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Air Headquarters in New Delhi ahead of the meeting.
According to the Indian Air Force, the visit featured discussions on issues of mutual interest and avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation further and enhance military‑to‑military engagement.
--IANS
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