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India-Equatorial Guinea Joint Statement during the State Visit of President of India to Equatorial Guinea

April 08, 2018

  • At the invitation of His Excellency Mr.TeodoroObiangNguemaMbasogo, the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, H.E. Mr. Ram NathKovind, President of the Republic of India paid a State visit to Equatorial Guinea from April 7-9, 2018.
  • Upon his arrival at the international airport in Malabo, the President of India and Mrs.SavitaKovind, accompanied by a high level Indian delegation, were accorded a ceremonial welcome with state honours by the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and Mrs.ConstanciaMangue de Obiang, and by senior officials of the government of Equatorial Guinea.
  • This was the first ever visit of a Head of State from India to Equatorial Guinea, symbolizing the desire of both parties to reinforce the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries. The President of India was accompanied by a high level official delegation comprising Minister of State Mr.Mansukh L Mandavia, Members of Parliament Dr.PonnusamyVenugopal and Dr.Yashwant Singh, and senior government officials.
  • President Kovind held discussions with President Obiang on April 8, 2018, concerning bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, followed by delegation level talks. A State banquet was hosted by President Obiang in honour of PresidentKovind.
  • Both sides acknowledged the long standing excellent bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening existing ties. The two leaders underscored the need to hold regular consultations on bilateral issues in order to further deepen cooperation between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction at the intensification of bilateral relations, as agreed upon during the first bilateral Joint Commission Meeting in October 2017 in Delhi. They reviewed areas of cooperation identified during the Meeting such as Oil and Gas, Mining and Geology, Health, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Capacity Building.
  • In the spirit of the reinforcing the cooperation between the two countries, the following agreements were signed:

    a. MOU on cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine.

    b. MOU on cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants.

    C. Action plan on cooperation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

  • On regional issues, their Excellencies President Obiang and President Kovind reaffirmed the desire of both countries to support the efforts of the African Union in finding solutions to political conflicts and terrorism, and to continue working on the economic transformation and development of Africa for the benefit of its peoples. In particular, President Kovind underlined India’s readiness to support Equatorial Guinea in its developmental priorities.
  • Both leaders shared the view that terrorism is a grave threat to mankind and global peace and security. They expressed their willingness to join hands with the international community in eradication of the menace of terrorism from society. They agreed on the need to take strong measures against terrorist organizations, terrorists and their networks. President Obiang conveyed the support of Equatorial Guinea for early adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) proposed by India at the United Nations.
  • The leaders called for an urgent need for reforms of the UN Security Council to make it more representative and reflective on the geo-political realities in the 21st Century.
  • President Kovind congratulated President Obiang on the election of Equatorial Guinea for the first time as a non-Permanent Member of United Nations Security Council for the 2018-19 term. President Obiang thanked his counterpart for the support given to the candidature of Equatorial Guinea for the non-permanent seat at the UNSC. Both countries agreed to work closely to intensify their cooperation in the United Nations and other multi-lateral fora in order to address the challenges being faced by mankind including climate change, and to foster global peace, security and sustainable development.
  • The two heads of state expressed satisfaction at the establishment of the International Solar Alliance at the Founding Conference and Summit held in March, 2018 held in Delhi. President Kovind expressed his appreciation for the presence of President Obiang at this historic Conference and underlined the mutual desire to strengthen cooperation in this field.
  • Both Presidents agreed that there was great potential in expansion of bilateral trade relations and emphasized on the importance of higher Indian participation in Equatorial Guinea in a range of sectors including agriculture, energy, mining and ICT.
  • President of Equatorial Guinea thanked the President of India for his announcements of setting up of an Entrepreneurship Development and Vocational Training Centre and an English Language Training Laboratory in Equatorial Guinea, as a strong symbol of India’s desire to contribute to capacity building and training.
  • Both sides welcomed the visits of delegations from India in April/May 2018 in the sectors of agriculture, mining and geology, and telecommunications to Equatorial Guinea, and expressed hope that this would pave the way for enhancing Indian participation in Equatorial Guinea's development, which would help in realizing the objectives of Horizon 2020 programme.
  • Both sides agreed to further intensify bilateral relations and to encourage regular exchange visits at Ministerial level. President Obiang welcomed the announcement made by President Kovind of Government of India’s decision to open a resident Diplomatic mission in Malabo.
  • Later in the day on 8th April 2018, President Kovind addressed the Parliament of Equatorial Guinea where he acknowledged the role of Equatorial Guinea as a factor of stability in the region. He also attended a reception with the expatriate Indian community in the evening.
  • H.E. Mr. Ram NathKovind was conferred the medal of the Gran Collar de la Independencia, the highest civilian honour of Equatorial Guinea, by H.E. Mr.ObiangNguemaMbasogo, for his contribution to the cause of development, security and world peace.
  • President Kovind thanked President Obiang for the warm hospitality extended to him and the delegation during the State visit and extended an invitation to him to visit India.
Malabo,
8th April, 2018
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