Luanda (Angola): Indian oil and gas companies are desirous of entering into a "long-term" purchase contract with Angola to meet the country’s energy requirements, as they also wish to invest in petroleum refining and exploration of critical and rare earth minerals in the African nation, President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday.
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Murmu began her four-day state visit to Angola with a delegation-level meeting with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at the Presidential Palace in Luanda.
She said Indian companies were also "interested" in opportunities related to the exploration of critical and rare earth minerals, fertiliser production, and diamond processing.
The two countries also exchanged multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resources during the first day of Murmu’s official engagements. This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian president to Angola. The visit is scheduled from November 8 to 11.
"Angola's role in India's energy security is very important. India is a major buyer of Angola's oil and gas. Our oil and gas companies are desirous of entering into a long-term purchase contract with Angola," Murmu said during the talks.
She added that Indian companies in the energy sector were also desirous of "investing" in Angola’s onshore and offshore upstream projects. The President underlined that India was a "leading" nation in petroleum refining and expressed interest in participating in Angola’s various refinery projects.
Murmu said Indian companies were also "interested" in fertiliser and urea manufacturing projects in Angola, which could not only meet local demand but also create export opportunities.
"Angola is amongst the prominent diamond-producing countries of the world, and India is a leader in diamond cutting and polishing. We can use our respective strengths in this domain for mutual benefit," she said during the meeting attended by senior officials from both sides.
Murmu said Indian companies were "capable of" exploring critical and rare earth minerals, adding that this cooperation could extend to electric vehicles, semiconductor technology, and artificial intelligence partnerships. On defence cooperation, she said India was a "trusted" exporter of defence equipment and "we are ready to fulfil Angola's defence-related requirements."
She recalled that during the Angolan President’s visit to India in May this year, India had extended a defence line of credit to Angola, which will see "quick implementation."
Calling India the "pharmacy of the world," Murmu said the country was ready to support Angola’s medical sector in areas such as medicines, vaccines, health infrastructure, and paramedical training. She said India could help Angola enhance its agricultural productivity by providing expert services and quality seeds.
"If the required encouragement is there, Indian companies can invest in Angola's contract farming sector through a long-term land lease system," Murmu added. The President also offered India’s assistance in developing Angola’s transport and road infrastructure and said that high-speed 'Vande Bharat' trains could be delivered to the country.
Murmu said India expects Angola's "continued support" for reforms at the UN Security Council to make it "more effective." She added that the Indian community in Angola serves as a "cultural and economic bridge" that strengthens the relationship between the two nations as they celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties this year.
Earlier in the day, Murmu received a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace, including a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. She said the partnership between India and Angola was built on "mutual trust, respect and a shared vision for the prosperity of our peoples."
The President thanked the Angolan people and government for their hospitality and for inviting her to attend the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence on November 11.
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"MoUs on cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources, and on cooperation in consular matters were exchanged on the occasion," an official statement said.
Murmu is scheduled to address the Angolan National Assembly on Monday. After completing her visit to Angola, she will travel to Botswana for the second leg of her state visit between November 11 and 13.