Modi arrives in Mozambique; 1st Indian PM to do so in over 3 decades
July 07, 2016  09:45
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived at Mozambique capital Maputo as part of his four-nation tour of the African continent.

Prime Minister Modi is the first Indian head of government to visit Mozambique after 34 years. 

Former prime minister Indira Gandhi was the last to visit that country in 1982.

During his five-day four-nation tour to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, energy, food security, trade, maritime cooperation and diaspora interactions will high on the Prime Minister's agenda.

Prime Minister Modi will be given a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Office at 9.30 am (Mozambique time) or 1pm IST, after which, he will hold a "restricted meeting" with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi. This will be followed by delegation-level talks, a signing of agreements and an issue of a joint statement.

The Union Cabinet had on Tuesday given its approval for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Mozambique on drug demand reduction and prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals and related matters. The MoU is aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking in narcotics, psychotropic substances and their precursors through an exchange of information, expertise and capacity building.

The cabinet also approved a long-term contract by signing an MoU with Mozambique for the import of pulses either through the private channels, or, via Government-to-Government sales through state agencies nominated by both nations.

Besides, Mozambique is the third largest exporter of natural gas after Qatar and Australia.

Thereafter, Prime Minister Modi will attend a state banquet hosted by President Nyusi in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Office.

About 5:40pm IST, the prime minister will visit the National Assembly, where he will receive a ceremonial welcome and will be introduced to the members, followed by a meeting with President of the National Assembly Veronica Macamo and signing of visitor's book. Before departing for South African capital city of Pretoria at 9:50pm IST, the prime minister will interact with Indian Diaspora.
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