Lisbon (Portugal), April 7 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu was accorded a Guard of Honour at the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon on Monday, marking the ceremonial start of her historic State visit to Portugal. She was warmly welcomed by the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at the prestigious site.
Indian Ambassador to Portugal, Puneet Roy Kundal, welcomed President Murmu upon her arrival. In a post on X, he said:
“Honored to receive Rashtrapati Ji in Lisbon on her first State visit to Portugal.”
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First Presidential Visit in Over 25 Years
President Murmu’s visit is historic, being the first State visit by an Indian President to Portugal in 27 years. The last such visit was in 1998 by then-President K. R. Narayanan. She is also scheduled to visit the Slovak Republic from April 9-10, making it the first visit to Slovakia by an Indian President in 29 years.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan shared the significance of the visit:
“President Droupadi Murmu departs for historic State visits to Portugal and the Slovak Republic. These are the first State visits to either country by the President of India in more than 25 years. The visits will further expand India’s multifaceted engagement with two important European Union partners.”
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Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
The Ministry of External Affairs echoed the message, with Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating:
“These visits will expand India’s multifaceted engagement with two important EU partners.”
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According to Secretary Pavan Kapoor, this visit is particularly symbolic as India and Portugal mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, and the engagement is expected to enhance cooperation in diverse areas including trade, education, renewable energy, and digital innovation.
After completing her engagements in Portugal, President Murmu will head to Slovakia at the invitation of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini for a two-day official visit.
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