Meeting underscores India's growing engagement with countries in Africa
An event of significant diplomatic importance unfolded in Praia on March 18, 2024, as it hosted the inaugural Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Cabo Verde.
 
The talks, held in the capital city of the west African nation, came a year after India opened its Mission in Cabo Verde in 2023, which has renewed the momentum in the bilateral relations.
 
The discussions during the FOC were far-reaching, encompassing several key areas of mutual interest and cooperation. The meeting also underscored India's growing engagement with countries in Africa.
 
Broadening the Spectrum of Collaboration
 
According to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the consultations encompassed various facets of collaboration, including political cooperation, economic partnership, development assistance, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in multilateral forums. 
 
The consultations provided an opportunity for both sides to coordinate their positions on regional and global issues of mutual interest, and both sides firmly agreed to enhance their cooperation in the multilateral fora.
 
The meeting was co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (Central & West Africa) from the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Miryan Djamila Sena Vieira, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation from Cabo Verde. 
 
The roots of friendship and collaboration between India and Cabo Verde are long-standing, providing a strong foundation upon which to build a more robust trade and economic relationship. 
 
The FOC was not merely a routine diplomatic engagement but a strategic convening aimed at delineating a forward-looking roadmap for the future.
 
The first Foreign Office Consultations have laid a foundation for a dynamic and prosperous future relationship in the run-up to the next meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi.