President Alassane Ouattara spoke of the benefits of AfDB's support and rich expertise gained over a long period on the African continent. The Ivorian Head of State met with the President of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka, during his inauguration, the 21st May, 2011, in Yamoussoukro. "I always had faith in the AfDB, and I am looking forward to its support in this challenging phase", Mr. Ouattara said.
The Ivorian President also expressed his support and that of his Government to the AfDB. He promised to make every effort to strengthen the excellent relations between the Bank and Côte d'Ivoire, home to the institution's headquarters, in Abidjan.
In his response, M. Kaberuka reiterated to President Ouattara, the Bank's confidence and commitment to Côte d'Ivoire. "We are currently working with technical teams in Côte d'Ivoire and several partners, on a fast-disbursement sectoral intervention aimed at contributing to economic recovery in the country. You can count on our commitment and on the Bank's availability", he said.
The investiture ceremony, held in the political and administrative capital of Côte d'Ivoire, brought together several Heads of State, the Secretary General of the United Nations and many other distinguished personalities.