Vanuatu’s first High Commissioner to India, HE David Eggie Merrick, says he will work to strengthen bilateral relations and seek new opportunities for mutual prosperity during his three-year posting in New Delhi.

Merrick made the commitment at his commissioning by President Nikenike Vurobaravu at State House yesterday, in the presence of his family and government officials.

“The new commissioner to New Delhi will not just carry the official seal of our republic and the Vanuatu Flag but the trust, aspiration and the values of our people,” Merrick said.

He said he would work to strengthen bilateral ties and seek new avenues for mutual prosperity, while acknowledging the government’s support for his posting.

Trade and investment opportunities

Merrick said Vanuatu’s office in New Delhi would focus on promoting trade and investment and identifying further opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

President Vurobaravu said the posting was an important step towards strengthening cooperation in the economy, technology and education, while opening more opportunities for the people of Vanuatu.

The President said Merrick carried the trust and aspirations of the government and people as he took up his role representing Vanuatu in India.

40 years of diplomatic relations

The commissioning comes as Vanuatu and India mark 40 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1986.

Merrick’s posting provides an opportunity to expand cooperation in areas including education, health, climate change and economic development.