New Delhi, April 6 (HS): President Droupadi Murmu departed on Sunday for a visit to Portugal and Slovakia. She will be on a state visit to both countries from April 7 to 10. During this time, the President will hold talks with her counterparts and will also meet with members of the Indian community.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs reported that this is the first state visit to these countries by an Indian President in over 25 years. These visits will further enhance India's multifaceted relations with two important partners in the European Union.

Portugal

President Murmu will be in Portugal from April 7 to 8. She will meet her Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and conduct delegation-level talks. She is also scheduled to meet with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and the President of the National Assembly (Parliament) Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco. This is the first visit by an Indian President to Portugal in 27 years. India and Portugal are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. The last state visit by an Indian President took place in 1998 when K.R. Narayanan was in office.

Slovakia

Murmu will also visit Slovakia from April 9 to 10. She will hold bilateral meetings with President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. President Murmu will also meet with Richard Raši, the Chairman of the National Council of Slovakia. This is the first visit by an Indian President to Slovakia in 29 years.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar