India and Sierra Leone inks MoUs
India and Sierra Leone signed 6 agreements today to expand the bilateral relations in various fields and also agreed to push for UNSC reforms so that one-third of mankind residing in Africa and India occupy their rightful place in decision making bodies of the UN. An agreement was also signed today with the EXIM Bank of India.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Vice President who arrived in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, on the second and last leg of his tour to African nations. This is the first ever visit of an Indian Vice President to Sierra Leone.
India announced the decision to establish a High Commission in Sierra Leone, even as both the countries have agreed to enhance cooperation. The Vice President said that India has a special relationship with Sierra Leone and the friendly ties between the two countries are based on common values and shared vision.
He also conveyed India’s appreciation to the people and government of Sierra Leone on peaceful conduct of elections in early 2018 and smooth transition of power. Highlighting the growing people-to-people linkages between the two countries, Shri Naidu said that India has extended e-Visa facility to Sierra Leone nationals for ease of mobility and both sides.
An agreement was signed to initiate a cultural exchange program between the governments of India and Sierra Leone for the years 2019-23. Shri Naidu reiterated India’s offer to conduct a “Jaipur Foot” camp in Sierra Leone under the “India for Humanity” initiative for fitting of artificial prosthetic limbs for the disabled.
This is an initiative undertaken in the context of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He also thanked President Bio for releasing a postage stamp on Mahatma Gandhi. In his speech at the banquet, the Vice President said that “India is not only opening a new mission here very soon but stands committed to work with you in all spheres of your priority”, he added.
The Vice President appreciated the Sierra Leone Government for ensuring the safety and security of Indian Community of around 1400. He said that enormous potential exists for Indian participation in mining, agro-industries, aqua-culture, diamonds and pharmaceuticals. “We need to work together”, he added.
