This was the first ever high-level state visit from India to Senegal

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu’s three-day (June 1 to 3) visit to Senegal remained highly successful as this paved the way for the two countries to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discuss in length regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, during Vice President Naidu’s meeting with Senegalese President Macky Sall, who fondly recalled his visits to India in 2015 and 2017, the two leaders discussed active economic engagement and identified new areas for cooperation, particularly in agriculture, energy, health, railways, mining, housing, oil & gas and defence.

The two leaders “noted the need for cooperation in skill development/training and capacity building in key sectors and signed three MOUs: MoU on cooperation in Youth Affairs, Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) and Visa waiver Agreement for diplomats/officials,” the MEA said.

Vice President Naidu also had a meeting with President of the National Assembly Moustapha Niasse, during which few members of Senegalese Parliament were also present. Both sides appreciated the leadership in upholding democratic values and traditions and agreed to have regular Parliamentary exchanges.

The MEA added that Vice President Naidu invited the President of the National Assembly to pay a visit to India.

During his three-day visit, the Vice President also addressed a business event in Senegal organized by CII, which led a 15-member delegation on an exploratory visit. He also interacted with the small but vibrant Indian community in Senegal, the MEA

The Vice President also delivered a Public Talk at the Universite Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar on the theme “Tiranga-Teranga: 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Senegal.”

Both sides appreciated the mutual support extended to each other’s candidatures at UN and other international fora. “On our request for support to our candidate for President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development for which elections will take place on July 7, 2022, Senegalese leadership indicated to give due consideration,” the MEA maintained.

During the visit, Vice President Naidu announced the Phase-II upgradation of Entrepreneurship Development and Technology Centre (CEDT) in Dakar, built with Indian grant assistance, and also offered a Special ITEC English proficiency course for Senegalese public servants and also a special training programme for a batch of 15 Senegalese diplomats at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Services.

During the visit, the Vice President visited a few historical places in Dakar, including the Renaissance Monument and Museum of Black Civilization.

He also visited Dakar Biennale, an international art exhibition that showcases contemporary African art and creativity.

India and Senegal enjoy warm and friendly relations, sharing common values of democracy and secularism, with a strong economic engagement and development cooperation.

The State visit of the Vice President, which took place as both India and Senegal celebrated the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties, reflected and reiterated the commitment to further deepen the relationship for mutual benefit of both peoples, the MEA noted.