India's high growth trajectory opening new opportunities: Ram Nath Kovind

Operation Rahat, the name given to the evacuation process in Yemen, was orchestrated from the African nation of Djibouti, which lies on the other side of the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.

Djibouti City, October 4: President Ram Nath Kovind, the first Indian leader to visit Djibouti, said rise of India is opening new opportunities for collaborations and the Indian diaspora has an important role in building bridges between India and the world.

Addressing the Indian community Djibouti City, President Kovind spoke about India's high growth trajectory and said it is opening new opportunities for collaboration.

"The rise of India is opening new opportunities for collaboration. Our diaspora has an important role in building bridges between India and the world," he said. Kovind, who arrived here yesterday on the first leg of his four-day visit to Djibouti and Ethiopia, his maiden trip abroad since taking office, asked the Indian diaspora not to leave their roots.

"We should not ignore or isolate our roots, no matter where we stay," he said. He said its a great honour for him to be the first Indian president to visit the African country.

"This is no coincidence but a conscious decision. Our relations with beautiful continent of Africa are special in our hearts," he said. "Ocean that connects us may be Indian in name, but belongs to all of us. Let it bind us together, as it had centuries ago," he said.

The president also thanked Djibouti for helping India in evacuating Indians from Yemen in 2015. "Operation Rahat that we carried out from Djibouti spotlights our unflinching commitment to our people abroad," he said.

Operation Rahat, the name given to the evacuation process in Yemen, was orchestrated from the African nation of Djibouti, which lies on the other side of the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.

The camp office in Djibouti, a country neighbouring Yemen and across the Red Sea, was set up to ensure smooth implementation of Operation Raahat.

The evacuees were taken to Djibouti from where they were brought back to India in Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. During his visit to the two African nations, the president is expected to sign agreements on institutionalization of foreign office consultation and greater economic cooperation with Ethiopia.

India has extended a line of credit of USD 49 million to Djibouti, mainly for constructing a cement plant. India's bilateral trade with Djibouti stands at USD 284 million in 2016-17.

Djibouti PM welocmes President Kovind

President Kovind in Djibouti on maiden State Visit. He is first Indian VVIP to come here. Kovind Meets PM Kamil Mohamed at airport. Courtesy:@rashtrapatibhvn

In coversation with Djibouti PM

President Kovind in conversation with Djibouti Prime Minister Kamil Mohamed. Courtesy:@rashtrapatibhvn

Kovind addresses Indian diaspora

President Kovind addresses the Indian diaspora in Djibouti. He says its a great honour to be the first Indian President to visit the country. Courtesy: @rashtrapatibhvn

Reception by Indian community

President Kovind at the reception hosted by the Indian community on 3rd October 2017. Courtesy: @rashtrapatibhvn

President thanks Djibouti

President Kovind thanked President Guelleh for support during 'Operation Rahat' in 2015. He discussed cooperation in maritime and renewable energy domains. Courtesy: @rashtrapatibhvn

PTI