Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Angola’s President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco on May 3 was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, following which, he expressed hope in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Angolan President as he arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Angolan President arrived in India on May 2 for the first official state visit by a President from that country to India in 38 years. The four-day visit aims to boost diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations.
Speaking to the reporters following the ceremonial welcome, President Lourenco said, “We have arrived in New Delhi, the capital of India, to hold this state visit, which is taking place after 38 years.”
“We see this visit as an important one for Angola in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. We are very thankful for the friendly and hospitable manner in which we were received yesterday by the people of India,” he added.
Upon his arrival. President Lourenco was warmly received at the airport by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes several ministers, senior officials, and representatives from prominent business houses. “Warm welcome to President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola as he lands in New Delhi on a State Visit. President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several ministers, senior officials, and business houses. On arrival, the President was accorded a special welcome and received by MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh at the airport,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X.
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh also shared the welcome message on his social media handle on X, saying, “Pleased to welcome President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola on a State Visit to India.” This significant visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola. According to the MEA, it marks the first visit by an Angolan President to India since 1986. During his stay, President Lourenco is scheduled to hold separate meetings with PM Modi and President Murmu. He will also engage in delegation-level discussions with Prime Minister Modi, who is expected to host a luncheon in his honour.
