We've always had a close bond of friendship: President Droupadi Murmu highlights strong India-Algeria ties

President Droupadi Murmu during her historic visit to Algeria on Sunday highlighted the deeprooted and growing IndiaAlgeria ties reported news agency ANISpeaking at the Indian Community Reception in Algiers she emphasised that despite geographical distance the two nations have maintained a close bond since Algerias independenceWhen Algeria became independent in 1962 India was there to support Algeria and we immediately established political relations Since then political relations have grown manifold My visit has special significance in this context Despite the geographical distance we have always had a close bond of friendship she said during her address reported ANIShe further said Our political leaders have always had good relations with Algerian leaders reported ANIPresident Murmu arrived in Algeria on Sunday the first leg of her threenation visit She was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome This is the first visit by an Indian President to Algeria At the airport the President was received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria as a special gesture Other members of the cabinet were also presentDuring her address President Murmu lauded the Indian community for supporting Indias growth With the collective efforts of 14 billion Indians we embark on a new journey of hope and aspirations While India is moving ahead at a fast and rapid pace the goodwill of the Indian community both in Alegria and abroad cannot be overemphasised Murmu said while speaking about the IndiaAlgeria ties reported ANIToday India is playing an important role in global development With a consistent annual growth of 8 per cent India is one of the fastestgrowing major economies There has also been a significant reduction in the number of people living below the poverty line It is a matter of pride that our country has become the fifthlargest economy in the world the President added reported ANIIndian Ambassador to Algeria Swati Kulkarni also addressed the Indian community underscoring the historic bond between the two countriesIt is a very special day in IndiaAlgeria relations Though geographically distant India and Algeria are historically close India supported the Algerian liberation movement against colonialism since its inception Over the years mutual trust and shared interests have strengthened this beautiful partnership she said reported ANIShe also stressed the significance of President Murmus visit saying Today madam your visit will reiterate our commitment to a vibrant present and a better tomorrow Much of what our countries have achieved so far would not have been possible without the contributions made by the Indian community and by our Algerian counterparts Though small in number our community members are dynamic diligent and lawabidingPresident Murmu is on a threenation tour of Africa visiting Algeria Mauritania and Malawi from October 13 to 19 according to the Ministry of External AffairsEarlier on Sunday President Murmu departed for her official threenation tourDeepening IndiaAfrica special ties President Droupadi Murmu emplanes for a 3 country State visit to Algeria Mauritania and Malawi Randhir Jaiswal an official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs MEA wrote on XSharing a post on X the Rashtrapati Bhavan handle stated President Droupadi Murmu departs for her State visits to Algeria Mauritania and Malawi This will be the firstever visit by an Indian Head of State to these nationsThe President will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders and will interact with the Indian diasporaOn Monday October 14 President Murmu will pay her respects at the Maqam Echahid monument built in honour of those who lost their lives in the Algerian War of IndependenceFollowing the ceremony she will hold a teteatete with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune followed by delegationlevel talks and a banquet hosted in her honour She will also address the AlgeriaIndia Economic Forum on the same dayPresident Murmu will also deliver a speech at the Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole University and inaugurate the India Corner at Hamma Garden in Jardin dEssaiAs part of the event she will plant a sapling from India to mark the opening of the India Centre at the Hamma Botanical GardenIn the second leg of her tour President Murmu will arrive in Mauritania on October 16 This is the first visit by an Indian leader of her stature since Mauritanias independence in 1960She will hold a teteatete with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani followed by the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding MoUs related to culture cooperation between foreign office institutions foreign office consultations and visa waiver agreements for diplomatic and official passport holdersShe will also address the Indian community in MauritaniaOn October 17 President Murmu will travel to Malawi at the invitation of President Lazarus Chakwera There she will hold a teteatete with the Malawian President participate in a business event and meet with the Indian diasporaThree MoUs on youth affairs sports and cultural exchange will be signed between India and MalawiPresident Murmu will conclude her tour and depart for India from Malawi on October 19With inputs from ANI