PM Modi, Angolan President Lourenco Discuss Bilateral Cooperation At Hyderabad House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço at Hyderabad House on Saturday as part of the latter’s State Visit to India.

The leaders held high-level talks to deepen bilateral relations between India and Angola, discussing trade, investment, energy, healthcare, and agriculture.

PM Modi, alongside EAM Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Misri, held talks with President Lourenco to enhance strategic collaboration.

Celebrating A Special Relationship

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the engagement as a step towards ‘fostering the India-Angola special relationship’.

In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared, “PM @narendramodi warmly received President Mr João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola at Hyderabad House ahead of their bilateral talks.”

Earlier, EAM Jaishankar also met President Lourenco during his visit and acknowledged the President’s positive sentiments for India.

“Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi will chart new avenues of growth for India-Angola & India-Africa ties,” Jaishankar stated in his post.

Ceremonial Welcome At Rashtrapati Bhavan

Before the bilateral talks, President Lourenco received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

He was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, accompanied by a 21-gun salute and a Guard of Honour.

This warm welcome underscored India’s recognition of Angola as an important partner in the Global South.

“A special welcome for a Global South partner,” wrote MEA spokesperson Jaiswal, highlighting the symbolism of the ceremony and India’s diplomatic outreach to Africa.

Tribute At Rajghat

In a gesture of respect, President Lourenco also visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

He laid a wreath at the Mahatma’s memorial and signed the visitors’ book, honouring Gandhi’s legacy of peace and non-violence.

A Visit Of Diplomatic Significance

President Lourenco arrived in New Delhi a day prior, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, and business leaders.

Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh received him at the airport, reflecting India’s warm diplomatic engagement with Angola.

India and Angola will sign key MOUs in agriculture, traditional medicine, and cultural exchange, marking 40 years of diplomatic ties.

PM Modi’s engagement with President Lourenco reinforces India’s commitment to enhanced cooperation with African nations.

The visit lays a strong foundation for future partnerships, particularly in the context of Angola’s current role as Chair of the African Union.

Also Read: President Murmu & PM Modi Welcome Angolan President With Ceremonial Honours At Rashtrapati Bhavan