President of India Kovind addressed House of Assembly in St Vincent and Grenadines

St Vincent and the Grenadines: The nation hosted a special sitting of the House of Assembly to commemorate an official visit by the President of the Republic of India, Ram Nath Kovind.

The government has said that Thursday, May 19, 2022, was historic in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

In his address at the House of Assembly, President Kovind spoke to India, being a friend of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the cooperation of India through vaccine diplomacy and other medical assistance to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, he highlighted several completed projects, projects in progress, and other earmarked projects for future cooperation.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, President Kovind reiterated the importance of multilateral institutions to tackle global challenges and the appending complexities. Such challenges include but are not restricted to: climate challenges, political conflicts threatening international peace and security, cross border terrorism and supply chain disruption.

President Kovind and his delegation will be involved in several additional fora during their three-day visit to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Earlier on May 19, representatives from the Government of India and the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines signed two Memoranda of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation between countries further.

The first Memorandum was for the automatic exchange and assistance in the collection of taxes and the second Memorandum was for the refurbishment of the old community centre in Calder.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, on behalf of the Government and People of St Vincent and the Grenadines, looks forward to continued cooperation with the Government and People of the Republic of India.

The Memorandum includes the Automatic Exchange of Information and Assistance on Collection of Taxes Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sandy Peters- Philip signed on behalf of the government. Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), signed on behalf of the Republic of India.

Signing ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister – Dr Ralph Gonsalves, President of India – Ram Nath Kovind, Members of the Indian Delegation, Cabinet Ministers, Governor-general – Dame Susan Dougan, Cabinet Secretary – Kathiann Barnwell, Minister of the Public Services – Frederick Stephenson and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.