India-Senegal sign three MoUs

Tags: International Relations

India and Senegal signed three MoUs for cultural exchange, cooperation in youth affairs and visa-free arrangement for officials.

• This is the first ever high level Indian visit to Senegal.

• The visit comes at a time when both the countries are celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic ties.

• The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, who is on a three-nation tour, arrived in Senegal (West Africa) on June 2.

• Three MoUs were signed by both sides 

1. Visa-free arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports which will strengthen cooperation between the two countries through seamless travel of officials/diplomats.

2. Renewal of Cultural Exchange Progarmme (CEP) for the period 2022-26.

3. To enhance bilateral cooperation in youth matters.

• India-Senegal Bilateral Relations

• Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1962 at the ambassadorial level in Dakar.

• Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, India-Senegal trade grew by 37% to US$1.5 billion during the last one year.

• A significant amount of phosphate, an important component of fertilizers, is imported into India from Senegal.

• Senegal is a member of the International Solar Alliance (IAS).

• Phase II of the upgrade of the Center for Entrepreneurship Training and Development (CEDT) in Dakar has been approved and its implementation will begin soon.

• Senegal has supported India for permanent UNSC membership.

• About Senegal

• Senegal is a country in western Africa

• It is known as the “Gateway to Africa

• Head Of State And Government - President, Macky Sall

• Capital - Dakar

• Official Language - French

• Literacy - Male (2017) 64.8%, Female (2017) 39.8%