Working visit by an Indian delegation led by Mr SEVELA NAIK MUDE.

An Indian delegation led by Mr Sevela Naik Mude, Head of the Central and West Africa Zone at the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India, made a working visit to Loméles on 27 and 28 June 2024, at the invitation of Mr Afo O. SALIFOU, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Living Abroad.

This working visit is part of the first political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of India and Togo since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1980. It reflects the excellent quality of the relations of friendship and cooperation that unite India and Togo.

During his stay, Mr Sevela Naik Mude was successively received in audience by Mr Lekpa Antoine GBEGBENI, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Prof. Majesté Ihou WATEBA, Minister of Higher Education and Research, Mrs Kayi MIVEDOR-SAMBIANI, Minister of Trade, Handicrafts and Local Consumption and Mrs Mawunyo Mila AZIABLE, Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, in charge of Energy and Mines.

The meeting between Mr Afo O. SALIFOU and Mr Sevela Naik Mude took place on 27 June 2024 at the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Living Abroad. The two delegations had fruitful discussions on issues of common interest both bilaterally and internationally.

At bilateral level, the two parties stressed the need for the two countries to further strengthen their cooperation, which is based on the values and ideals of peace, solidarity, mutual respect and win-win partnership, with a view to meeting the deepest aspirations of the two peoples. Discussions between the two parties focused on bilateral political relations, trade and investment issues, defence and security, and cultural and consular relations between Togo and India.

The Indian side congratulated Togo on the promulgation of the new Togolese constitution, which transforms Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system. It indicated that Togo could count on India in the implementation of this political system which favours governance and a much more concerted, decentralised and shared management of responsibilities.

For its part, the Togolese side congratulated India on the organisation of the last general elections, which took place in a peaceful, transparent and fair manner, thus reappointing His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, for a third term.

The two officials discussed the security situation in the Savannah region. They expressed their concern over the terrorist attacks in this region.

Mr Afo O. SALIFOU explained to the Indian delegation the many efforts made by the Togolese government and the personal commitment of the Head of State in the fight against this scourge which threatens the stability of the sub-region. He took the opportunity to express to the people of India the thanks of the Togolese people for the many forms of support they have received from India.

For his part, Mr Sevela Naik Mude renewed the solidarity of the Indian people with the victims and reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Togo in its fight through multi-faceted support in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity.

In the course of their work, the two parties signed the following draft agreements:

• Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Togo and India;
• Memorandum of Understanding on reciprocal visa waiver between India and Togo for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports of nationals of both countries.

At the international level, the two personalities congratulated Togo for its tireless efforts to promote peace and security in the West African sub-region through the use of peaceful means, namely dialogue, consultation and mediation.

The two parties also expressed their concern about other conflicts in the world, in particular the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, etc.

At the end of his visit, Mr Sevela Naik Mude expressed his gratitude to the Togolese authorities for the warm welcome extended to him and for the facilities granted to him and to the members of his delegation.

Lomé, 27 June 2024