Media Release

Bangalore, Jan 27: Ivory Coast ambassador to India, Sainy Tiemele along with three others paid a visit to Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras at his residence on Saturday January 26.

Archbishop Dr Moras had invited Ivory Coast ambassador during the funeral of Bishop Ambrose Madtha at Mangalore recently and he had accepted the invitation.

The ambassador said that this was his first visit to Bangalore. During the interaction he said Ivory Coast has a population of 23 million, out of which about 48 percent are Christians and 42% Muslims.

First Consular, Emmanuel N’ DA, B L Naveen, Hon Consul for Ivory Coast, Bangalore and Ganesh Kuppuswamy, Administrator for Consulate office, Bangalore also accompanied the Ambassador. Later, the Archbishop said it was a courtesy visit.

Ambassador Sainey came to India eight years ago in February 2005 as Consular and since one and half years he is Ambassador. Among the two consulates, one is located in Bangalore and the other in Kolkata. Ivory Coast has 27 consulates in several countries, he replied to queries.

Out of 5000 students from Ivory Coast studying in India, 20 per cent of them pursue education in Bangalore. Every year not less than 1200 students come to Bangalore to take up studies in various subjects.

Archbishop Moras conveyed to the Ambassador that bishops of Karnataka are grateful to their country for having brought the body of Bishop Ambrose like that of the President of a country. It was a great honour. He profusely thanked all concerned including the minister and so many officials who accompanied the body to Mangalore. He also remembered the services rendered by about 15 bishops of Ivory Coast where Bishop Ambrose was the nuncio who had met with a road accident and passed away.

The visiting Ambassador and other dignitaries left Archbishop’s House after a cordial and informal meeting and a dinner hosted in their honour.