SPEECH
BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CREDENTIALS
FROM MR. WEWOLDEBRAN WOLDEMIKAEL AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE OF
THE STATE OF ERITREA TO INDIA
NEW DELHI, DECEMBER
12, 1997
I have great pleasure
in accepting the Letter of Credence accrediting you as Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of the State of Eritrea to India.
Eritrea is one of
the youngest members of the comity of nations. Yet, in a short span of
time, it has distinguished itself by the fortitude and industriousness
of its people and through its important role in regional and international
affairs.
Links between India
and Eritrea go back deep into history. Not so long ago our soldiers fought
alongside yours, against the forces of fascism. Now as sister democracies,
and as members of the Nonaligned Movement, our two countries can work
together as partners on a variety of issues for the mutual benefit and
progress of our peoples.
The foundations of
a cooperative relationship between our two countries have already been
established through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme.
Eritrean diplomats have participated in training courses at our Foreign
Service Institute. I am happy to learn that a large number of Eritrean
students are studying in Indian educational institutions and that several
Indian teachers have gone to Eritrea. We are prepared to send experts
in various areas to participate in Eritrea's programmes of economic revival
and development. We welcome the recent initiative of the Food and Agriculture
Organisation to associate India with the development of Eritrea's agriculture
sector. Our bilateral interaction could develop as a model of South-South
cooperation and constitute a positive step towards the larger ideal of
forging collective self-reliance among developing nations.
Even as the end of
the Cold War has generated new hope for peace and progress, our countries
are simultaneously faced with new challenges. Whether in the areas of
trade exchanges, technology transfers or representation in the United
Nations Security Council, developing countries find themselves marginalised.
We need a world order that is more understanding and accommodative of
the concerns and aspirations of the countries of the South. It is essential
that our collective resources and experiences are brought to bear in our
endeavour to meet the challenges before us.
I wish to convey
through you, Mr. Ambassador, on behalf of the Government and the people
of India, and on my own behalf, greetings and good wishes to H.E. Mr.
Isaias Afwerki, the President of the State of Eritrea. India supports
his endeavours to build a strong, modern and dynamic Eritrea.
In wishing you a
successful term of office as Eritrea's Ambassador to India, I would like
to assure you of the fullest cooperation of the Government of India in
your efforts to strengthen the already existing friendly relations between
our two countries and peoples.
Thank you
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