President Droupadi Murmu held delegation-level talks with her Botswana counterpart, President Duma Boko, at the President’s Office in Gaborone on Wednesday.
As part of her visit, Murmu is expected to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals between India and Botswana, aimed at bolstering bilateral collaboration in the healthcare sector.
Botswana will also gift India eight cheetahs under the Project Cheetah initiative. The animals will be placed under quarantine during President Murmu’s stay, symbolising Botswana’s contribution to India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
During the visit, President Murmu is scheduled to address the Parliament of Botswana, meet members of the Indian community, and visit sites of historical and cultural significance. Several senior dignitaries and officials from Botswana are also expected to meet her during the trip.
The President arrived in Gaborone on Tuesday after concluding her state visit to Angola, where she was received by President Duma Boko. She was accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute and Guard of Honour. This marks the first-ever state visit by an Indian Head of State to both Angola and Botswana.
Her visit to Angola, from November 8 to 11, formed the first leg of the tour, undertaken at the invitation of Angolan President João Lourenco. The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across Africa and the Global South.
–IANS
