President Murmu to visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste from August 5

The visit by President Murmu to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste underscores the importance India attaches to the bilateral relations with these countries and reflects a strong focus on the Act East Policy which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ten years ago at 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

President Murmu will visit Fiji on August 5 and 6 at the invitation of Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of Fiji. This will be the first-ever visit by a Head of State from India to Fiji. President Murmu will be holding bilateral meetings with President Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. President Murmu is scheduled to address the Fijian Parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora in Fiji.

The visit reflects India's continued commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Fiji, the press release said.

On the second leg of her visit, President Murmu will visit New Zealand from August 7 to 9 at the invitation of Cindy Kiro, Governor General of New Zealand. During the State visit, President Murmu will hold a bilateral meeting with Kiro and meet Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

President Murmu will address an education conference and interact with the Indian community. The visit will provide further impetus to India-New Zealand bilateral relations, the release said.

She will also visit the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on August 10 at the invitation of President Jose Ramos-Horta. During the visit, President Murmu will hold a bilateral meeting with President Horta. Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala "Xanana" Gusmao, will call on President Murmu. In addition, President Murmu will interact with members of the Indian community. This will be the first-ever Head of State visit from India to Timor-Leste. (ANI)