President’s visit to three West African nations – Benin, Gambia and Guinea

President’s visit to three West African nations – Benin, Gambia and Guinea
Question: Consider the following statement regarding President’s visit to three West African nations recently:
(1) President visited three West African nations – Benin, Gambia and Guinea
(2) This visit is the first-ever visit of Head of State/Head of Government of India to each of the three countries
(3) MOU was signed between Cultural Exchange Programme with Benin for the years 2019-2023
of the above, correct statement/s is/are:

(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (2) and (3)
(c) Both (1) and (2)
(d) All the above
Answer: (d)
Related facts:

Context:

  • President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, reached Cotonou, Benin on 28th July, 2019, on the first leg of his state visits to three West African nations – Benin, Gambia and Guinea.

President visit to Benin:

  • This visit is the first-ever visit of Head of State/Head of Government of India to Benin.
  • India has emerged as the largest trading partner of Benin with two-way trade crossing US$ 800 million.
  • Implementation of the US$ 42.6 million Line of Credit for upgradation of water supply schemes in 103 villages in Benin. Fresh Line of Credit worth US$ 100 million for developmental projects in Benin was also announced.
  • India also offered to extend free tele-education courses to 15,000 Beninese students and tele-medicine courses to 1000 doctors and paramedics in Africa. 
  • In addition, the two sides discussed defence and security cooperation and India offered further training assistance to Benin to expand its anti-piracy capacity.
  • They also agreed to work together to combat climate change through the International Solar Alliance.
  • The two Presidents witnessed the signing and exchange of MOUs/agreements on:
  • Cultural Exchange Programme between the two countries for the years 2019-2023.
  • MOU on Cooperation in the field of Export Credit and Investment Insurance.
  • MOU between Benin & Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) for participation in the e- VBAB Network Project (Technology upgradation of Pan Africa e-Network Project (PAeNP)- Phase-I) of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
  • Agreement on mutual exemption from the visa requirement for holders of Diplomatic, Official/Service Passports

President visit to Gambia:

  • On 31st July. 2019, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the National Assembly of The Gambia in Banjul. 
  • Our bilateral trade stood at over US$ 62 billion for 2017-18. 
  • India has become the fifth largest investor in Africa with cumulative investments at over US$ 54 billion. 
  • After South Asia, the African continent is the largest recipient of Indian overseas assistance.
  • 181 Lines of Credit have been extended to 41 countries for a total amount of US$ 11 billion. 
  • India has, in keeping with The Gambian priorities, extended support for its social and economic progress – from capacity building, financial assistance to implementing infrastructure projects.  
  • India has provided concessional lines of credit worth US$ 78.5 million to support programs of rural development, agriculture, drinking water, healthcare and setting up physical infrastructure of The Gambia.
  • Another line of credit of US$ 92 million has been extended.
  • Each year, we receive young Gambians in India for education, for skilling and for navigating the digital world.

 President of India in Guinea

  • Top of Form
  • India Offers a line of Credit of US$170 Million for Conakry Water Supply Project
  • The President of India, in Conakry, Guinea, on 1st August, 2019 in the final leg of his visit to – Benin, The Gambia and Guinea.
  • He became the first Head of State/Head of Government from India to visit Guinea.
  • On his arrival at the Conakry Airport, President Kovind was received by the President of Guinea, Prof Alpha Conde.
  • The President said that India is committed to strengthen economic ties with Guinea in support of Guinea’s National Development Plan.
  • India has provided financial assistance for projects identified by Guinea in the energy, health and transportation sectors, including regional hospitals projects. India extended a new Line of Credit of US$ 170 million for Conakry Water Supply Project.
  • President Alpha Conde conveyed support for India’s candidacy as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2021 – 2022.
  • The two Presidents witnessed the signing and exchange of MOUs:
  • On Cooperation in the field of traditional system of medicine and homeopathy.
  • For Participation in the e-VBAB Network Project
  • In the field of renewable energy.

Links:

http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1581046

http://pib.nic.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1580681

http://pib.nic.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1581187