New Delhi [India]: India on Saturday dispatched humanitarian assistance to Sao Tome & Principe, a central African nation, reaffirming its strong commitment to supporting the Global South.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) stated that the aid includes crucial medical supplies such as insulin, blood glucose monitors and strips, human albumin, and oral rehydration salts (ORS).
“India reaffirms its commitment to the Global South. Humanitarian assistance of medical supplies comprising life-saving & essential medicines including insulin, blood glucose monitors & strips, human albumin, ORS, etc., has been dispatched to Sao Tome & Principe. This assistance will help strengthen the public health services of Sao Tome & Principe,” the MEA announced on X.
India has a history of extending support to Sao Tome & Principe. In 2019, the nation received 150 computers from India to aid IT development in ministries and secondary schools. Similarly, in 2021, India provided medicines valued at €95,000 (approximately USD 111,150) to the Health Minister of Sao Tome, Edgar Neves.
In June 2023, India responded to the specific medical needs of Sao Tome by donating life-saving and generic drugs worth USD 25,000.
The two nations share a warm and friendly relationship that dates back to Sao Tome & Principe’s independence in 1975. Leaders from both countries have met on various international platforms, including the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
A notable high-level exchange occurred when Dr. Carlos Alberto Pires Tiny, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation & Communities of Sao Tome & Principe, visited India from November 29 to December 2, 2009. This was the first such visit since Sao Tome & Principe gained independence from Portugal.
In recognition of India’s leadership in promoting South-South cooperation and its contributions to international peacekeeping, Sao Tome & Principe has expressed support for India’s bid to become a Permanent Member of an expanded UN Security Council. The nation also endorsed India’s candidacy for a Non-Permanent seat for the 2011-2012 term.
India’s continued efforts to assist Sao Tome & Principe highlight its dedication to fostering international partnerships and supporting global development initiatives.