Luanda [Angola], November 9 : President Droupadi Murmu landed in Luanda, the capital city of Angola, on Sunday as part of her state visit, marking a significant step in deepening ties between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the President's arrival in the African nation in a post on X as both nations celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment 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.
https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1987339972962361385?s=20
This is the first-ever state visit by an Indian Head of State to the African country.
According to Rashtrapati Bhavan, this historic visit highlights India's commitment to strengthening ties with Africa and the Global South.
President Murmu is in Angola as part of the first leg of her two-nation tour from November 8 to 11, at the invitation of her Angolan counterpart, João Lourenco.
Earlier on Thursday, while addressing a special press briefing on the visit of the President, MEA Secretary of Economic Relations Sudhakar Dalela said that the visit reflects India's growing focus on strengthening partnerships with countries of the Global South, particularly in Africa, across political, economic, developmental, and cultural dimensions, further noting that the visit also includes discussions on translocating cheetahs from Botswana as part of Project Cheetah.
According to the MEA, during her time in Angola, President Murmu is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with her Angolan counterpart, attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola's independence on November 11, address the Angolan Parliament, and interact with members of the Indian community.
Meanwhile, from November 11 to 13, the President will visit Botswana at the invitation of President Duma Gideon Boko, during which she will hold bilateral discussions with the Botswana leadership, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, energy, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, defence, and people-to-people exchanges. She will also address the National Assembly of Botswana and visit sites of cultural and historical significance.