President Murmu to Begin Official Visits to Portugal and Slovakia Starting April 7

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- President Murmu's visits to Portugal and Slovakia aim to enhance bilateral relations.
- Portugal visit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations.
- High-level talks planned with key leaders in both countries.
- Focus on trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
- Engagement with the Indian diaspora is part of the agenda.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu is set to embark on State Visits to Portugal and Slovakia from April 7 to April 10. These trips are part of a vital diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening India's bilateral relations with both nations.
Her journey will commence in Portugal from April 7 to April 8, following an invitation from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal.
This visit holds historical importance as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the formal re-establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Portugal. The last time an Indian President visited Portugal was in 1998, when President K. R. Narayanan made the trip.
During her stay, President Murmu will engage in high-level dialogues with President Sousa. Additionally, she is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and the President of the National Assembly, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco. These discussions will seek to reinforce the vibrant and evolving bilateral partnership between India and Portugal, which encompasses extensive cooperation across various domains.
This visit is anticipated to inject fresh energy into the flourishing relationship between the two countries, with a focus on expanding trade, economic collaboration, and people-to-people interactions. As part of her diplomatic efforts, President Murmu will also connect with the Indian community residing in Portugal.
After her time in Portugal, President Murmu will head to Slovakia on April 9, following an invitation from President Peter Pellegrini. This will mark the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in nearly thirty years.
In Slovakia, President Murmu will conduct bilateral discussions with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, and meet with the Speaker of the National Council, Richard Rasi. These meetings will concentrate on further enhancing and expanding the relationship between India and Slovakia, particularly in the realms of trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
The two-day visit to Slovakia underscores the significance India places on its bilateral relations with the Slovak Republic. It is expected to lay the groundwork for deeper cooperation and new initiatives across various sectors, including defense, science and technology, and education. President Murmu will also engage with the Indian diaspora during these visits.