President Of India Visits Benin, The Gambia and Guinea

The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind is this week in West Africa where he will visit Benin, The Gambia and Guinea. 

The President arrived in Cotonou, Benin, on Sunday where he held talks with President Patrice Talon before addressing the parliament in Porto Novo. A state banquet followed.

During his time in Benin President Kovind spoke of the importance of technology as part of the development partnership between India and Africa

"India is happy to share its digital revolution with Africa to enhance the well-being of its people and, in particular, empower its youth. Few days ago, we successfully launched our second Moon Mission, Chandrayaan 2.

"The scientific gains from our space programme have allowed us to strengthen communication, resource mapping and disaster management capacities in several African countries," the President state as he addressed the National Assembly of Benin.

The two countries signed four agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding during the visit, including one covering a Cultural Exchange Programme and an agreement on the mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

On Tuesday he departs for The Gambia, where he will hold bilateral talks with President Adama Barrow.  He then continues on to Conakry, Guinea, on August 1.

It is the fourth visit by the Indian Head of State to Africa.