Luanda, Nov 10 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu addressed the members of the Indian Community at a Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Angola in Luanda on Monday evening.

The accompanying Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways, V. Somanna, along with Members of Parliament, Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava and D. K. Aruna, were present on this significant occasion.

While speaking to the enthusiastic gathering of community members, the President emphasized that India places great importance on its relationship with its African allies, especially Angola. This partnership is founded on principles of equality, mutual trust, and shared goals for advancement.

She remarked that India's interaction with Africa has matured under the framework of the India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) and expressed optimism about hosting the next IAFS Summit in the near future.

President Murmu highlighted that Angola stands as a crucial ally in ensuring India's energy security, and reciprocally, India ranks among Angola’s primary trade partners. She expressed her satisfaction in noting that last year, the bilateral trade between India and Angola surpassed the significant milestone of 5 billion US dollars.

The President mentioned that India is a leading supplier of pharmaceuticals, food products, refined petroleum, automobiles, and machinery to Angola. Indian enterprises are flourishing in various sectors such as retail, tourism, diamonds, energy, infrastructure, hospitality, and agriculture.

She noted that these investments have positively impacted Angola’s economic landscape and created numerous job opportunities.

The President acknowledged that around 8,000 individuals of Indian descent reside in Angola. She emphasized that their entrepreneurial spirit, diligence, and professional excellence have played a vital role in Angola's economic development.

She urged the Indian community in Angola to engage proactively in efforts to achieve the shared prosperity of both India and Angola.