President Murmu's Historic State Visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania
President Murmu Embarks on a Three-Nation Tour
President Murmu greets as she emplanes on state visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, on Sunday. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, Jul 19: On Sunday, President Droupadi Murmu commenced a significant three-nation state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania aimed at enhancing India's connections in various sectors, including trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that this visit underscores India's increasing involvement with Central and Eastern Europe, reinforcing its dedication to fostering partnerships in the region.
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George stated during a press briefing on Friday that the trip aligns with India's broader European engagement and its strategic alliance with the European Union.
The first stop of the journey is Moldova, starting on Monday, which marks the inaugural visit by an Indian President to this Eastern European country.
During her time in Moldova, Murmu is scheduled to engage in delegation-level discussions with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and will also meet Igor Grosu, the President of the Moldovan Parliament.
According to the MEA, India and Moldova share a cordial relationship, and this visit is poised to be a pivotal moment in enhancing bilateral relations into a comprehensive partnership.
Following Moldova, Murmu will travel to North Macedonia from July 21 to 22 at the invitation of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, marking another first for an Indian President.
In North Macedonia, she will conduct bilateral discussions with President Siljanovska-Davkova, meet Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and address the Assembly of North Macedonia, along with engaging with the India-North Macedonia Business Forum. The two nations are eager to strengthen economic ties in key areas such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and IT.
In the concluding phase of her tour, Murmu will visit Romania from July 23 to 25, invited by President Nicușor Dan. This visit will be the first by an Indian President to Romania in over thirty years.
During her stay, she will meet with President Dan, interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, and other key officials, and will also address the India-Romania Business Forum while interacting with the Indian community.
The MEA pointed out that all three countries—Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania—have condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir last year, expressing their strong support for India in combating terrorism.