MUMBAI: It was a proud moment for India as well as CEO of Rushabh Sealink and Logistic Private Limited Mr. Vishal Mehta for having been appointed as the Honorary-Consul of Republic of Djibouti to India, Mumbai.
The Office of the Honorary-Consul of Republic of Djibouti in Mumbai was inaugurated in the august presence of Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr. V. Murleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, Ambassador of Djibouti to India H.E. Isse Abdillahi Assoweh, Mr. Vinod Tawde, National General Secretary – BJP, Mr. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of National Stock Exchange cum Chancellor of University of Allahabad, Mr. Tilak Mehta among other distinguished dignitaries.
A large gathering attended the event at the Royal Garden lawns of ITC Grand Maratha, Andheri, Mumbai on 4th January, 2024. The inaugural session began with the National Anthems of India and Republic of Djibouti and lighting of the lamps.
Seeking the Divine blessing to mark this momentous occasion, a video message of Global Spokesperson of BAPS Swaminarayan Trust, Pujya Shri Swami Brahmaviharidas was played. His Holiness fondly recalled knowing Mr. Vishal Mehta since childhood and congratulated him on representing a country now. Swamiji emphasized on his responsibility to make both the Countries and the People proud by building strong relationship based on truth, transparency and trust.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal applauded in his address the appointment of Mr. Vishal Mehta as Honorary Consul General of Djibouti to India. He marked this as an important moment to further build strong and fruitful diplomatic relations between India and Djibouti. He said that both nations have historical links and the strategic location of Djibouti would further foster bilateral trade and economic development. He also emphasised that there is immense scope for Maritime co-operation due to Djibouti's strategic Ports and Maritime Infrastructure. The growing relationship between India and Djibouti would pave the way for opening a new chapter of economic growth, shared prosperity and opportunities for both nations.
Shri V. Muraleedharan lauded the appointment of Mr. Vishal Mehta as a significant moment. He also said, relationship between India and Djibouti will usher into a new era of bilateral trade and economic development. India urged on the inclusion of African Union in G20 and formally inducted them as a member of G20 at last summit in New Delhi in 2023, he said. He recalled his last visit to Djibouti in 2022 and said he received affection from the people of Djibouti. The Union of India & Djibouti will enhance the welfare & progress of both nations.
Mr. Vishal Mehta, in his address thanked the Government of Republic of Djibouti in having faith in his ability and leadership and appointing him as Hon. Consul General of Djibouti to India. He reminisced his first visit to Djibouti in 2013 and since then establishing a thriving business in Djibouti. He also said that Djibouti is a leading port for transhipment and refuelling for vessels of international cargo. Mr. Vishal Mehta further invited Indian business houses to invest in Djibouti and highlighted the huge potential in investing in the shipping, logistics, health care, education, construction and affordable housing. He said that Djibouti is the gateway to huge African markets for Indian business houses. Emphasising the challenges, importance and responsibility of his office, he assured that he would perform his duties with utmost sincerity, dedication and integrity so as to usher in a new era of collaboration and economic development for both Djibouti and India.
H.E. Mr. Isse Abdillahi Assoweh the Ambassador of Djibouti to India, said in his address that he has immense trust in Vishal Mehta's leadership which will bolster strong relationship and economic progress with India. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi for inclusion of African Union in G20 Group of Nations. He also said that Djibouti extends warm invitation to Indian businesses to invest in Djibouti. He highlighted that Indian business houses will progress as Djibouti has Free Trade Agreements with many African nations. He stated the benefit and ease of business as the currency is linked to Dollars and Djibouti is the biggest free zone in Africa. He also thanked
Indian Government for bestowing the second highest civilian award to the President of Republic of Djibouti with Padma Vibushan.
Shri Vinod Tawde, the National General Secretary of BJP commemorated the exemplary service carried out by Mr. Vishal Mehta during the Covid'19 crisis. Drawing parallel with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Shri Vinod Tawde praised Mr. Vishal Mehta for his Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) and Emotional Quotient (EQ). He extended medical and humanitarian assistance to the society during Covid'19 pandemic thereby saving and helping the lives of many people.
The appointment of Mr. Vishal Mehta as Hon. Consul General of Djibouti is a moment of great joy, pride and honour, said Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of NSE.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Tilak Mehta, a young entrepreneur and son of Mr. Vishal Mehta. He thanked the Govt. of Republic of Djibouti, the dignitaries present as well as the guests with utmost humility and grace.
After the conclusion of the grand ceremony, the dignitaries and guests relished the sumptuous dinner served by the host.
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