NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Algiers, Algeria on the first leg of her State Visits to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi.

In her first engagement, the President laid a wreath at the Maqam Echahid Memorial in Algiers and paid tribute to the soldiers who laid down lives in the Algerian War of Independence. She also visited the National Museum of the Moudjahid, commemorating Algeria’s struggle for liberation.

Subsequently, the President visited the El Mouradia Palace where she held a meeting with Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. The two leaders discussed ways to take India-Algeria relations to a higher level, with a special focus on trade and investment. President Murmu re-affirmed India’s continued support of Algeria and India's commitment to Africa. Both Presidents led the delegation-level talks and issued statements before the press.

In the next engagement, the President addressed the Algerian-Indian Economic Forum, jointly organised by the Algerian Economic Renewal Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the stepping up of the India-Algeria relations is based on our shared values, common challenges, and mutual trust.

The President said that Algeria’s rapid growth and expanding economy offer many opportunities in a variety of sectors. She urged Indian companies to remain engaged and invested in the opportunities that the Algerian economy offers.

The President was happy to note that the overall trade between India and Algeria stands at 1.7 billion US dollars. However, the economic ties have not been able to tap the potential fully. She emphasised the need to reinforce our ongoing cooperation in energy, construction, automobiles, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals, and identify new trade and investment initiatives for a brighter future.

The President said that India has achieved many accomplishments in areas such as science and technology, IT, fin-tech, pharma, space, start-ups, and renewables. She said that India would be happy to share its experiences in these areas with our Algerian partners. The President said that reforms in India made it easy for businesses to establish and grow. She invited Algerian companies to join India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives.