At the
invitation of H.E. Prime Minister of Republic of Mali Mr. Modibo
Keita, Hon'ble Vice-President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, visited
Mali from 29-30 September, 2016. On this first ever high level visit
from India, Vice President was accompanied by Shri Arjun Ram
Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance and Corporate
Affairs, three members of Parliament and senior officials.
Hon’ble
Vice President was received by the Prime Minister of Mali and his
Cabinet colleagues with great warmth.
During
the visit, Vice President of India called on President of Mali, had
restricted and delegation level meetings with the Prime Minister of
Mali, addressed the National Assembly and interacted with the Indian
community in Bamako. In his interactions, HVP assured of India’s
continued developmental support in the reconstruction efforts of
democratic government of Mali and categorically reiterated India’s
support to Mali’s territorial unity and integrity. Both countries,
being victims of terrorism, condemned it in all its forms and
manifestation and decided to step up cooperation in this critical
area.
The
talks covered the entire gamut of bilateral relationship and new
areas of cooperation were identified. Both the sides agreed to
reactivate the Joint Commission and convene it at an early date. The
new areas identified included agro, meat and cotton processing,
healthcare, ICT, renewable energy particularly under International
Solar Alliance and mining. The Government of Mali appreciated India’s
developmental assistance provided to Mali. Hon’ble Vice President
of India urged the Government of Mali to propose fresh proposals
which could be considered under the US$ 10 billion Line of Credit
announced by India during the third IAFS.
A
Memorandum of Understanding on Standards and a Cultural Exchange
Programme (CEP) were signed. Condemning destruction of historical
sites, India announced a cash assistance of US$ 500,000/- towards
revival of world heritage site of Timbuktu. India also announced
gifting of vehicles and IT equipment to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, gifting of ambulances for general public use and assistance
for setting up of English Language Learning Lab. India’s assistance
was gratefully acknowledged.
Both
sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations building on
the historical and cultural links, and learning from each other in
the spirit of South-South cooperation.
Vice
President M. Hamid Ansari thanked the people and government of Mali
for the exceptional hospitality and courtesy extended to him and his
delegation.
30 Sep
2016
