President Ram Nath Kovind leaves on a 3-nation visit to Africa

New Delhi, April 7: To deepen ties with African nations, President Ram Nath Kovind has left on a three nation visit from April 7 to 12 to Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia. This is President Kovind's third visit to the African nations.

The President's visit to Equatorial Guinea and Swaziland would be the first-ever visit by any head of state of India. President Kovind's visit to Zambia is taking place after 29 years.

At the invitation of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the President will pay a state visit to the country from April 7 to 9. He will address the Parliament of Equatorial Guinea on April 8 after meeting his counterpart during the delegation-level talks.

President Obiang will also host an official banquet lunch for President Kovind. He will also address the Indian community at a reception organised by the Embassy of India.

During the visit to Swaziland, President Kovind will be received by the King of Swaziland, Mswati-III and accorded a ceremonial reception on his arrival to the country on 9th April. He would hold delegation-level talks with the Swazi officials.

President Kovind and King Mswati-III will jointly inaugurate the Information Technology Centre located in the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP).

The other elements of the visit include an address by the President at the Swazi Parliament and call on Queen Mother. The King of Swaziland would host an official banquet for Kovind.

President Kovind would arrive in Lusaka in Zambia on 10th April where he would be received by his Zambian counterpart Edgar Chagwa Lunguand and would be accorded a ceremonial welcome.

President Kovind would have delegation-level talks with the Zambian side. His programme includes a meeting with Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, first President of the Republic of Zambia. Also, a state banquet would be hosted in honour of President Kovind, interaction with the Indian community and addressing a business event.

The President's visit to Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia would be his third visit to the African continent. The visit would help to further deepen the relations between the three African countries.