New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Luanda on Saturday on the first leg of her state visit to Angola and Botswana — marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Angola.
On Sunday, President Murmu commenced her official engagements at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, where she was received by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. A ceremonial welcome and guard of honour were accorded to the Indian President.
During the one-to-one meeting and delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across sectors.
President Murmu emphasized that the India-Angola partnership is built on mutual trust, respect and a shared vision for prosperity. She commended Angola’s developmental efforts aimed at ensuring progress and well-being for its people.
Highlighting the thriving energy partnership, the President noted that Angola plays an important role in India’s energy security. Both sides agreed to diversify trade and investment ties into new and emerging areas, including technology, agriculture, health, defence, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the India-Africa Forum Summit framework and to exploring new avenues of collaboration.
On the occasion, two MoUs were exchanged — one on cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resources, and another on cooperation in consular matters.
President Murmu also welcomed Angola’s decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) — initiatives spearheaded by India to promote wildlife conservation and sustainable energy solutions.
She will continue her state visit with engagements in Angola before proceeding to Botswana for the second leg of her African tour.