Luanda: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Luanda, Angola, on Friday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian president to the southern African nation. The visit forms the first leg of her State tour to Angola and Botswana.
Minister of State accompanies President Murmu for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna and Members of Parliament Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava and D. K. Aruna. Upon arrival at Luanda International Airport, she was received by Angola’s Minister of External Relations Tete Antonio, according to a release by PIB India.
On Saturday, Murmu began her official engagements at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, where President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço accorded her a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour. During their one-to-one meeting and subsequent delegation-level talks, the two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues aimed at deepening co-operation between India and Angola.
The Indian president highlighted that the partnership between the two countries rests on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for prosperity. She lauded Angola’s developmental efforts and reaffirmed India’s support for its progress.
Noting the robust energy trade partnership, Murmu emphasized Angola’s key role in India’s energy security. Both leaders agreed to diversify trade and investment into new sectors, including technology, agriculture, health, defence, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. They also resolved to strengthen engagement under the India–Africa Forum Summit framework.
Two Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged during the talks – one on co-operation in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resources, and another on consular co-operation.
President Murmu welcomed Angola’s decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Both presidents later issued statements to the press, followed by a Banquet Lunch hosted in President Murmu’s honour by Lourenço at the Presidential Palace.
