President of Angola João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço arrived in New Delhi this morning on a day State Visit to India. He was accorded a special welcome and received by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at the airport.

 Mr Laurenco is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several Ministers, senior officials, business houses and media.

A visit by the President of Angola to India is taking place after 38 years. The visit comes at a time when India and Angola are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

President Laurenco 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 Laurenco 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.

On Sunday, President Laurenco 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 dollars 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 for, including in the UN.