Increasing India’s African outreach, President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Zambia, Equatorial Guinea and Swaziland from April 7-12. This will be the third visit of the President to Africa and the first ever visit of head of Indian Government to Equatorial Guinea and Swaziland. The Presidential visit to Zambia is taking place after 29 years.
“The visit of the President would further deepen our relations with the African nations,” Neena Malhotra, Joint Secretary (East and Southern Africa) of the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday while announcing the visit.
The President will be accompanied by Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandavia and four Members of Parliament.
In Equatorial Guinea, President will address its Parliament after meeting his counterpart Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and holding delegation level talks. Kovind will also address the Indian community at a reception organised by the Indian embassy.
During the visit to Swaziland on April 9, President will jointly inaugurate the Information Technology Centre located in the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) with the King of Swaziland, Mswati-III. The other elements of the visit include an address by the President at the Swazi Parliament and call on Queen Mother.
Kovind will arrive in lusaka, Zambia on 10th April. President will hold delegation level talks with the Zambian side. His program includes a meeting with Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, first President of Zambia, interaction with the Indian community and addressing a business event.