After 21 years Venkaiah Naidu to lead Indian delegation for first high-level visit to Zimbabwe

NEW DELHI: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will be making a three-nation tour of Africa between October 31 and November 6, Ministry of External Affairs said here on Friday.

Briefing reporters Secretary Economic Relations T S Tirumurti said Mr Naidu will visit Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

The high level visit to Zimbabwe will take place after a gap of 21 years, he said.

The then Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda led the last high level visit in 1996.

The Secretary pointed out that during the recently held elections in Zimbabwe, an eight-member delegation from the Election Commission had visited Zimbabwe at their request.

He further said with steps being taken by Zimbabwe to revive the economy, there is an increasing interest from Indian investors.

Besides delegation-level talks, Vice President Naidu will address India-Zimbabwe Business Forum and also the Indian community.

"Several MoUs including in areas of mining, power, culture etc are expected to be signed during the visit," he said.

The high level delegation comprising among others Minister of State for Social Justice Krishan Pal Gurjar and four members of Parliament and senior officials will first visit Botswana and then travel to Zimbabwe and Malawi.

"During last four years, there have been an unprecedented 26 visits to Africa by Indian President, Vice President and Prime Minister apart from several ministerial visits to Africa. This is in keeping with our continuous enhanced engagement with Africa," Mr Tirumurti said.

Mr Tirumurthi said the visit from India to Botswana at such high level will take place after a gap of eight years.

"India shares a very close and friendly relations with Botswana," he said adding during last few years the relations between two countries have diversified into range of areas including defence, trade, health and capacity building.

Besides meeting his counterpart in Botswana, the Vice President Mr Naidu will also take part in delegation-level talks, the Secretary said.

Mr Naidu will meet the Speaker of Botswana national assembly and also call on the President there.

During his stay, the Vice President will inaugurate the 13th Annual Global Expo of Botswana 2018.

"This is first time that 25 Indian companies will be participating in the Expo," Mr Tirumurthi said adding Mr Naidu will also meet Indian community.

On the last leg of visit, the Vice President and the high level delegation will visit Malawi, he said.