India-Angola Partnership Built on Mutual Trust: President Murmu
On first-ever Presidential visit to Angola, Droupadi Murmu holds bilateral talks with President Lourenço; MoUs signed in fisheries and consular cooperation
- President Droupadi Murmu meets Angolan counterpart João Lourenço in Luanda.
- Both nations pledge to boost cooperation in trade, technology, and defence.
- MoUs signed in fisheries and consular cooperation.
- Angola joins India-led Global Biofuels Alliance and Big Cat Alliance.
GG News Bureau
Luanda (Angola), 9th Nov: President Droupadi Murmu, on her maiden state visit to Angola, held extensive bilateral discussions with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço at the Presidential Palace in Luanda on Saturday. The meeting marks the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Angola, underscoring the growing warmth and strategic depth in India-Africa relations.
The President, accompanied by Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna and Members of Parliament Parbhubhai Vasava and D.K. Aruna, received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour on arrival.
During delegation-level talks, both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation across sectors including energy, trade, defence, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.
Highlighting the strong foundation of India-Angola relations, President Murmu said, “The partnership between India and Angola is built on mutual trust, respect and a shared vision for the prosperity of our peoples.” She appreciated Angola’s developmental strides aimed at ensuring the progress and prosperity of its citizens.
Referring to the energy trade partnership, the President said Angola plays a crucial role in India’s energy security. She stressed on diversifying bilateral engagement into new and emerging sectors to foster sustainable growth and economic opportunities for both countries.
The two leaders also agreed to continue cooperation under the broader framework of the India–Africa Forum Summit, reaffirming their shared commitment to South-South cooperation and a multipolar global order.
On the occasion, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged — one on cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resources, and another on consular matters, marking a step forward in institutional collaboration.
President Murmu also welcomed Angola’s decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), two global initiatives spearheaded by India to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable energy.
Following the talks, both Presidents issued statements before the press, reaffirming their shared vision for deeper engagement. Later, President Lourenço hosted a Banquet Lunch in honour of President Murmu at the Presidential Palace, celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations.
President Murmu’s visit to Angola is the first leg of her two-nation tour, which will also take her to Botswana, as part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach to strengthen ties across the African continent.
