New Delhi, Apr 9 In a bid to end the menace of terrorism, India and Equatorial Guinea have agreed to join the global community and vowed for taking stern steps against terrorist organisations, terrorists and their networks.
In his first leg of six-day tour to three African nations, President Ram Nath Kovind and Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo held bilateral discussions in an effort to deepen their relations and cooperation in various sectors.
‘Both leaders shared the view that terrorism is a grave threat to mankind and global peace and security. They expressed their willingness to join hands with the international community in eradication of the menace of terrorism from society.
‘They agreed on the need to take strong measures against terrorist organisations, terrorists and their networks,’ an official statement said.
President Obiang conveyed the support of his country for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India at the United Nations.
During their meeting, Mr Kovind congratulated Mr Obiang on the election of Equatorial Guinea for the first time as a non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, for the 2018-19 term.
Both sides acknowledged the long-standing excellent bilateral relations and reaffirmed their mutual desire to strengthen economic, commercial, technical, educational, agricultural, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Both the leaders called for an urgent need for reforms of the UN Security Council to make it more representative and reflective on the geo-political realities in the 21st Century.
They have also underscored the need to hold regular consultations on bilateral issues, in order to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.
This was the first ever visit of a Head of State from India to Equatorial Guinea.
On Monday, Mr Kovind left for his second leg of tour to Swaziland, followed by Zambia.
On April 13, he will arrive in New Delhi.
