Venkaiah holds bilateral-level talks with Sierra Leone president

India extended a credit line of USD 30 million to Sierra Leone for rice cultivation as Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio on Sunday committed to further strengthening bilateral relations.

The vice president arrived in Freetown on Saturday, as part of his two-nation visit to Comoros and Sierra Leone from October 10 to 14.

He was received at the airport by Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Sierra Leone and Togo Birender Singh Yadav.

After holding delegation level talks on Sunday, Naidu and Bio addressed the media at the State House here.

"We congratulate Sierra Leone on consolidation of democracy as evident by conduct of five peaceful elections and three smooth transfers of power. I am confident that under his (Bio) leadership, Sierra Leone will tread the path of growth and development. I am also hopeful that our relations will grow and intensify in the coming years," Naidu said.

Naidu recalled India's role in achieving peace in Sierra Leone. India was among the first few countries to contribute troops to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone.

The vice president said the United Nations needs to be reformed to reflect the realities of today.

He said, "We agreed that both sides need to continue pushing for these reforms so that one-third of mankind residing in Africa and India occupy their rightful place at the high table in decision making bodies of the United Nations."