President Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded with the highest honour of Cote D'Ivoirie by its President Alassane Ouattara. President Mukherjee is on his maiden visit here.

The president was awarded with Grand Cross National Order of the Republic of Cote D'Ivoirie in a ceremony held at the President's Palace.

"I feel greatly honoured, Excellency, by your gesture of conferring on me the National Order of the Republic of Cote D'Ivoirie. I consider it to be emblematic of the long standing mutual friendship between the peoples of our two countries," Mukherjee said.

Calling for UN reforms, He said that, "We both recognize the imperatives of strengthening the UN system and other international organizations. We would like to see them reformed s that they remain relevant and effective in addressing the challenges that confront the world today. In this context, India stands ready to shoulder greater responsibilities in the specialised organs of the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council."

"We have been co-ordinating closely in regional and multilateral fora on this and other key issues including disarmament, climate change and sustainable development," he said.

"We would be happy to join your government in developing the infrastructure that you require in the different sectors of your growing economy. We have much to offer. At this time - when both our nations are growing at a rate of 7-9 per cent, there are infinite opportunities that must be seized," Mukherjee said.

Nandini