President Kovind to visit Djibouti and Ethiopia, first visit abroad as President

The visit to Djibouti from October 3-4, 2017, is at the invitation of the President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh.

This would also be the first ever visit at the level of Head of State of Government from India to the Republic of Djibouti since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

President Kovind will be received by President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh. They will also hold meetings later to discuss contemporary bilateral relations between the two countries.

India and Djibouti bilateral trade stood at US$284.54 million in 2016-17.

India, within the rubric of South-South Cooperation, has extended lines of credit amounting to US $ 49.13 million to the Government of Djibouti for construction of a cement plant, the Ministry of External Affairs release said.

Subsequently, President Kovind will pay a visit to Ethiopia at the invitation of the President of Ethiopia, Dr. Mulatu Teshome from October 4-6, 2017.

During the visit, President Kovind will hold a meeting with the President of Ethiopia Dr. Mulatu Teshome and review the entire gamut of bilateral relations.

Other elements of his programme include interaction with the Indian Community, addressing a business event and delivering remarks at the University of Addis Ababa.

Bilateral partnership between India and Ethiopia, which rests on civilizational ties and cultural bonds, now cover all areas of mutual and contemporary relevance, the MEA release said.

India is among the top trade, investment and development partner of Ethiopia. Ethiopia continues to be the largest recipient of India’s concessional Lines of Credit in Africa, the ministry said.