 "President Pranab Mukherjee")
President Pranab Mukherjee asserted that India will remain a steadfast partner in assisting Cote d'Ivoire in its economic development and growth, adding that the governments of both nations have developed a successful framework for their bilateral co-operation.
President Mukherjee made the address during a banquet in his honour by the President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire.
"We have, over the decades, created unique bonds of trust and mutual understanding - based on our shared values and synergies. Our partnership has, in recent years, become increasingly multifaceted, dynamic and rewarding. Our bilateral trade is steadily increasing and is expected to touch one billion US dollars in the next few years. Given the relative size of our economies and our wide convergences in several sectors of common interests, we both agree that our trade and investment and economic co-operation does, indeed have a greater potential that is waiting to be fully realised," the President said.
Highlighting that Cote d'Ivoire and India share common concerns in fight against international terrorism, he added that both nations have been co-ordinating closely in regional and multilateral fora on this and other key issues including disarmament, climate change and sustainable development.
"India and Cote d'Ivoire are also active participants in regional and international fora and have worked together in close cooperation on matters of shared interest and concern. We both recognise the imperatives of strengthening the UN system and other international organisations," he said.
President Mukherjee further said that India stands ready to shoulder greater responsibilities in the specialised organs of the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council.
