On his historic visit, Prez Kovind touch downs Malabo for his 3-nation Africa tour

Malabo, April 8: President of India Ram Nath Kovind touched down at the capital of Equatorial Guinea as a part of his three-nation Africa tour. Warmly received by Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President Kovind was accorded with ceremonial welcome. 

To deepen ties with African nations, President Ram Nath Kovind is on his 3 nation visit from April 7 to 12 to Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia.

Though this is President Kovind's third visit to the African nations, it is the first time ever that a head of state from India is visiting Equatorial Guinea.

 

President Ram Nath Kovind is being accompanied by his wife and First Lady Savita Kovind were warmly received by Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the President, who will be in Equatorial Guinea from April 7 to 9, will address the country's Parliament on April 8 after meeting his counterpart during the delegation-level talks. President Obiang will host an official banquet lunch for President Kovind.

The President is also expected to address the Indian community at a reception organised by the Embassy of India.

The President is accompanied by Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping Mansukh Mandavia and four Members of Parliament. Earlier, last month the President had visited Mauritius and Madagascar to firm up security and maritime partnerships.

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.