President Ramnath Kovind met Governor-General of Saint Vincent and Grenadines Dame Susan Dougan on the second day of his visit to the Caribbean nation yesterday. They discussed strengthening cooperation in the fields of IT, health, education, tourism, culture, and in the multilateral fora.
The two sides also signed MoUs on 'exchange of information and assistance in collection of taxes and on 'Refurbishment of old Calder Community project'. President Kovind also visited the botanical garden where he planted a sandalwood sapling and attended cultural performances.
Later in the day, President Kovind addressed the parliament of Saint Vincent and Grenadines. President Kovind said, to tackle the complex issues of today, the new world order that we seek to build, is to be an inclusive world order, where every country can express its legitimate
interests.
Mr. Kovind said, the need of the hour is reform of global institutions, with the UN Security Council at its core, to reflect the contemporary global reality. He noted that on this issue, India and St. Vincent and the Grenadines share common interests, approaches, and understanding.
In the afternoon, the President visited Calder Road in Kingstown where he addressed the Indian community. Addressing the gathering, the President said that Indian Diaspora and Indians living in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, he said that they reflect India’s rich diversity, cultural heritage, and traditions. India is proud of them and their achievements.
In the final engagement of the day, the President attended a banquet hosted by the Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at Government House.