Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paid Courtesy Call by India’s High Commissioner to The Bahamas
(L-R) : HE Lowell Mortimer, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas High Commissioner to India; HE Masakui Rungsung, The Republic of India High Commissioner to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Hon Frederick A Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ms.Jerusa Ali, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On Thursday, 23rd November 2023, His Excellency Masakui Rungsung, High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas paid a farewell courtesy call on the Honourable Frederick A. Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting primarily focused on the current state of bilateral relations between both States, interests within the Commonwealth, the status of the United Nations Partnership Development Fund project in Abaco and avenues for future economic cooperation.
During the courtesy call, great emphasis was placed on capacity-building programmes and finding ways to strengthen ties between India and The Bahamas. His Excellency Rungsung stated that his country has an Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which currently has 5 vacant slots for qualified Bahamians. He also explained that the programme was a unique opportunity for citizens of The Bahamas to travel to India and participate in a year-long program focused on Information Technology (IT) and forensic science.
In addition, the Indian High Commissioner highlighted scholarship opportunities for Bahamian students ranging from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels in all disciplines with the exception of medicine. It is the hope that these scholarship opportunities will help to advance people-to-people ties between both countries.
High Commissioner Rungsung further underscored India’s commitment to addressing global challenges, such as climate change. The High Commissioner noted that India is seeking to provide a grant of (1) one million Bahamian dollars to support local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within The Bahamas. The grant aims to stimulate economic growth and foster entrepreneurship within the local business community.
In another vein, the Parties discussed current candidatures and reciprocal arrangements between The Bahamas and India for upcoming elections to various international bodies such as the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations Security Council.
As the meeting wrapped up, Minister Mitchell wished the outgoing High Commissioner well, given that this may be his last opportunity to visit The Bahamas in this capacity.
The farewell courtesy call served as a poignant moment to reflect on the positive strides made in the diplomatic relationship between India and the Bahamas.