New Delhi: Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço arrived in New Delhi on Friday morning for a three-day state visit—marking the first visit by an Angolan head of state to India in 38 years. He was warmly received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, and media personnel, President Lourenço’s visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola.
On Saturday, he will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and will hold bilateral discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour. He will also engage in delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to host a luncheon. Several agreements and MoUs are expected to be signed, aimed at enhancing cooperation across key sectors.
On Sunday, the Angolan President will attend a business forum in New Delhi to boost trade and investment ties between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the strong bilateral relationship rooted in shared interests, particularly in energy, development partnership, capacity building, and defence. Bilateral trade reached $4.192 billion in 2023–24, reflecting growing economic engagement. Both countries also collaborate closely in multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
