President Ramnath Kovind will visit the African countries, Ethiopia and Djibouti, from October 3 to 6, in his maiden overseas travel. Incidentally, this will be the first visit by an Indian head of the state to Djibouti which has so far been represented only by Cabinet Ministers rank delegations from the Indian side. The tour to Ethiopia will also be unique in the sense it will the first presidential visit from India after 45 years when VV Giri last travelled to Addis Ababa in 1972.
Terming Africa as a priority partner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had increased his Government's engagement with the African countries in the last three years and almost all countries have seen bilateral visits from both sides. Interestingly, after President Kovind's Ethiopia and Djibouti visits, there will not be a single country in Africa that has not been visited by the top Indian functionaries.
The visit to Djibouti from October 3-4 is at the invitation of its President Ismail Omar Guelleh. “This would also be the first ever visit at the level of Head of State or Government from India to the Republic of Djibouti since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to the President told mediapersons.
The visit will take place in the backdrop of growing footprint of China in the African region. China has setup a military naval base in Djibouti, which is its first overseas base. Saudi Arabia too is making its military base in Djibouti.
India- Djibouti relations are marked by mutual respect and understanding on various bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. During the rescue operations by India from Yemen in 2015, Djibouti has provided logistical support and allowed India to use its airstrips to evacuate its citizens. India and Djibouti bilateral trade was $284.54 million in 2016-17. India, within the rubric of South-South Cooperation, has extended lines of credit amounting to $ 49.13 million to Djibouti for construction of a cement plant. It is expected the Prime Minister of Djibouti will receive Kovind at the airport. An agreement for institutionalising India Djibouti Foreign Officer cooperation will be signed. President will also address the Indian community.
Kovind will be in Ethiopia from October 4-6 at the invitation of its President Dr. Mulatu Teshome. During his visit Kovind will hold a meeting with Teshome and review the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Other elements of his programme include interaction with the Indian community, addressing a business event and delivering remarks at the University of Addis Ababa.
“Bilateral partnership between India and Ethiopia which rests on civilizational ties and cultural bonds now cover all areas of mutual and contemporary relevance. India is amongst the top trade, investment and development partner of Ethiopia. Ethiopia continues to be the largest recipient of India's concessional lines of Credit in Africa,” said Dr Neena Malhotra, joint secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.
