New Delhi , April 6 : President Droupadi Murmu has embarked on a 4-day state visit to Portugal and Slovakia from April 7-10. Invited by Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, this visit marks the first in 27 years, since President K. R. Narayanan's 1998 visit. From April 9-10, she will visit Slovakia at the invitation of President Peter Pellegrini, the first such visit in 29 years.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significance of these visits, noting they are India's first presidential visits to both countries in over 25 years. These trips aim to enhance India's ties with two key EU nations.
Secretary (West) MEA Tanmay Lal described the visits as "landmark," particularly as India and Portugal celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. During her time in Portugal, President Murmu will engage in high-level meetings, including talks with President de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, and the Speaker of the Parliament, along with attending a special event hosted by the Mayor of Lisbon. She will also meet with the Indian community and academic researchers.
This visit also marks 30 years since India established its embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 1995.
