President Ram Nath Kovind to observe Yoga Day in Suriname

President Ram Nath Kovind will observe the Yoga day in Suriname along with his Suriname counterpart Desire Delano Bouterse today. This will be the first time that heads of two countries will together participate in the International Yoga day. President arrived in the Suriname capital Paramaribo yesterday on the second leg of his three nation tour to Greece, Suriname and Cuba. He held bilateral discussions with his Suriname counterpart yesterday. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and cooperation followed by delegation level talks. The two sides agreed to expand the bilateral agenda especially in areas of economic relations, cultural cooperation and development partnership.

Mr Kovind announced that India will extend concessional financing of 20 million Dollars for setting up a solar project to provide clean energy to a cluster of 49 villages in Suriname. In addition, India will extend a line of credit of 27.5 million US dollars to support a power transmission project in Pikin Saron area and another line of credit of 3.5 million dollars for maintenance



of Chetak helicopters. Further, India will assist Suriname to establish a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology. 

An MoU was signed in this regard, along with four others in the field of elections, diplomatic academies partnership, employment for spouse of diplomats of the two countries and archives.

The President also addressed the National Assembly of Suriname, thereby becoming the first foreign Head of State to address the Assembly. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Suriname is an obvious partner for India in its efforts to build on already considerable trade, investment and cultural relations with Latin America and the Caribbean region. Mr Kovind invited every one to join him for yoga to observe International Yoga day today.

India's Ambassador to Suriname Satendar Kumar told that the  Indian Diaspora plays a crucial role in strengthening the relations between the two countries. He said Suriname is repository of Indian culture and traditions.