New Delhi, November 9 (). Indian President Draupadi Murmu arrived in Angola on Saturday evening on the first leg of her state visit to Angola and Botswana. This is the first visit of an Indian President to Angola.
The President was accompanied by Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna and Members of Parliament Prabhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava and DK on this state visit. Aruna is also there. On arrival at Luanda International Airport the President was received by Angola’s Foreign Minister Tete Antonio.
The President began his programs on Sunday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the capital Luanda. President Murmu was warmly welcomed by Angolan President Joao Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. He was given a formal welcome and guard of honour. During one-on-one meetings and delegation-level talks, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral relations.
The President said that the partnership between India and Angola is based on mutual trust, respect and a shared vision for the prosperity of our people. He expressed happiness at Angola’s developmental efforts aimed at ensuring progress and prosperity of its people.
The President noted the thriving energy trade partnership between the two countries and said that Angola plays an important role in India’s energy security. The two leaders agreed to further diversify trade and investment ties in new and emerging areas including technology, agriculture, health, defence, infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed to continue working together to deepen cooperation in various bilateral areas as well as within the broader framework of the India-Africa Forum Summit.
On this occasion, MoUs were exchanged on cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources and cooperation in consular matters. The President welcomed Angola’s decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). Both presidents issued statements to the press.
Angolan President Joao Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço hosted a banquet in honor of President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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MS/DKP