India extends $500,000 assistance to Gambia for skill development, cottage industry projects

India on Wednesday extended an assistance of USD 500,000 to the Gambia in support of skill development and cottage industry projects in the West African country as President Ram Nath Kovind held wide-ranging talks with his Gambian counterpart Adama Barrow.

President Kovind, who arrived here on Tuesday on the second leg of his three-nation tour, conveyed to the Gambian President India's deep commitment to enhance its traditional ties with the Gambia and contribute to its development.

It is the first-ever state visit to the Gambia by an Indian President.

India does not have its embassy in the Gambia. However, India has decided to open 18 new embassies in Africa, seven of them in West Africa.

India and the Gambia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy.

"As two ancient societies, both our countries have much to offer to the world from the fields of Ayurveda and other forms of traditional health practices," the President told media after the talks.

India received the instrument of ratification of the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement from the Gambian government.

This will open up new opportunities of collaboration between the two countries on solar energy and help in combating climate change, the President said.

"To take it forward, we are keen to implement a grant based solar project in select villages in the Gambia," he said.

During the talks, the two sides identified specific areas of cooperation.

India also agreed to offer training in the fields of judiciary, police, administration and technical expertise, as per the request and in line with the priorities of the African country.

Kovind and the Gambian President reviewed the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.

President Kovind conveyed the recent transformation in India-Africa relations.

"As President of India, after my three-nation trip to West Africa, I would complete state visits to 10 African countries in just over two years," he said.

Kovind thanked Barrow for supporting India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

The two sides also agreed to work in close coordination at the UN to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.