Angola President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço Embarks on 3-Day State Visit to India After 38 Years
President of Angola João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço arrived in New Delhi this morning on a day State Visit to India, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations. This is the first visit by an Angolan President to India after 38 years, and it comes at a time when India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
President Lourenco was accorded a special welcome and received by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at the airport. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses, and media.
The visit is expected to give a boost to bilateral relations between the two countries. President Lourenco will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan tomorrow. He will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. Besides, President Lourenco will have delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honour.
Several MoUs and Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which shall give a fillip to bilateral relations. The visit is also expected to promote investment and commercial linkages between the two countries. On Sunday, President Lourenco will participate in a business event in New Delhi aimed at promoting investment and commercial linkages between the two countries
The Ministry of External Affairs said India and Angola enjoy warm and friendly relations built over the years. It said, bilateral relations of the two countries are underpinned by a vibrant energy partnership. Bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing and reached $4.192 billion during 2023-2024. The Development Partnership, Capacity-Building Cooperation, and Defence relationship have also been expanding. Both countries support each other's candidature at various multilateral forums, including in the UN.
