Mozambique leadership honours PM Modi with ceremonial welcome

Maputo (Mozambique): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was accorded a warm and colourful ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Office in Mozambique capital Maputo as he started his first engagement of the day here to deepen ties with the African nation. Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson, Vikas swarup tweeted, "Mozambique honours. PM @narendramodi receives a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Office in Maputo." He reached Maputo as a part of his four nation tour of the African continent this morning. During his five-day four-nation tour to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, energy, food security, trade, maritime cooperation and diaspora interactions will remain high on the Prime Minister's agenda. Prime Minister Modi is now holding 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 earlier on Tuesday gave its approval for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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 had 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 (G2G) sales through state agencies nominated by both nations. Prime Minister Modi will attend a state banquet hosted by President Nyusi in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Office. Later in the day, 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. Prime Minister Modi will also visit the Maluana Science and Technology Park and the Centre for Innovation and Technological Development (CITD), where he will interact with students. Before departing for South African capital city of Pretoria at 6.20 p.m., the Prime Minister will interact with Indian Diaspora.