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Key Points

Angola's President Joao Laurenco arrives in India for his first state visit in nearly four decades. The trip marks 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. High-level talks with PM Modi and President Murmu aim to boost trade and energy partnerships. Multiple agreements are expected to be signed during the historic visit.

Key Points: Angola President Joao Laurenco Makes Historic India Visit After 38 Years

  • First Angola presidential visit to India in 38 years
  • Focus on trade, energy, and defense partnerships
  • $4.2B bilateral trade in 2023-24
  • Over 40 years of diplomatic ties
2 min read

President of Angola to visit India from May 1-4 on first state visit in 38 years

Angola's President Joao Laurenco begins first state visit to India in 38 years, meeting PM Modi and President Murmu to strengthen bilateral ties.

"This visit shall give a fillip to bilateral relations – Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, April 30

President of Angola, Joao Manuel Goncalves Laurenco, will pay a state visit to India from May 1 to 4 at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

President Laurenco will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses, and the media.

According to an MEA statement, this will be President Laurenco's first ever bilateral State visit to India, and a visit of the President of Angola to India in 38 years.

The visit comes as India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year.

President Laurenco will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 3.

He will hold discussions with President Murmu, who will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. Besides, President Laurenco will have delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honour. A number of MoUs/ Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which shall give a fillip to bilateral relations.

On May 4, President Laurenco will participate in a business event in New Delhi, aimed at promoting investment and commercial linkages between the two countries, the MEA said.

India and Angola enjoy warm and friendly relations built over the years.

The bilateral relations are underpinned by a vibrant energy partnership. Bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing and reached USD 4.192 billion during 2023-2024. The MEA underscored that initiatives such as Development Partnership, Capacity-Building Cooperation and Defence relationship have also been expanding. Both countries support each other's candidature at various multilateral fora, including in the UN.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a great opportunity to strengthen ties with Angola! Africa is an important partner for India's growth story. Hope we can expand cooperation in energy and infrastructure sectors. 🇮🇳🤝🇦🇴
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Priya M.
After 38 years! Shows how much we've neglected African partnerships. China has been far more active there. Better late than never though. Let's hope for concrete outcomes from this visit.
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Amit S.
$4.2 billion trade is impressive! Angola is oil-rich and we need energy security. Smart move by our government to deepen this relationship. Maybe we can get better crude oil deals?
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Sunita R.
I hope we focus on more than just business. Cultural exchanges would be wonderful too! Angola has such rich traditions that we Indians could learn from and appreciate.
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Vikram J.
While this is positive, I wish our media would cover African news more regularly. We know so little about countries like Angola beyond business headlines.
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Neha P.
The timing is interesting - just before elections. But regardless of politics, building strong African partnerships is crucial for India's global standing. Hope the MoUs signed actually get implemented!

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