Luanda [Angola], November 9 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu received a ceremonial welcome in Angola’s capital, Luanda, on Sunday. João Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, President of Angola, was present during the ceremony, marking a moment of warmth and mutual respect between the two nations.
The reception is part of President Murmu’s official visit to Angola, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Angola. President Murmu landed in Luanda earlier on Sunday, marking a significant step in deepening ties between the two countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed her arrival in a post on X, noting that India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. “President Droupadi Murmu lands in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. This visit will further strengthen India-Angola bilateral cooperation,” the post read.
This visit is historic, being the first-ever state visit by an Indian Head of State to Angola. Rashtrapati Bhavan noted that the occasion underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Africa and the Global South.
President Murmu’s visit forms the first leg of her two-nation tour from November 8 to 11, undertaken at the invitation of her Angolan counterpart, President João Lourenco. MEA Secretary of Economic Relations Sudhakar Dalela highlighted that the visit reflects India’s growing focus on building partnerships with Global South countries, particularly in Africa, spanning political, economic, developmental, and cultural dimensions. Discussions during the visit also include the possibility of translocating cheetahs from Botswana as part of Project Cheetah.
During her stay in Angola, President Murmu is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Lourenco, attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola’s independence on November 11, address the Angolan Parliament, and interact with members of the Indian community.
Following her engagements in Angola, she will visit Botswana from November 11 to 13 at the invitation of President Duma Gideon Boko, where she will hold bilateral discussions, address the National Assembly, and visit sites of cultural and historical significance, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, energy, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, defence, and people-to-people exchanges. (ANI)
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