When Dr Manmohan Singh arrives in Nigeria on a three-day state visit from October 14, he will be the first Indian prime minister to do so in 45 years. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had visited the oil rich nation in 1962, informed Nalin Suri while giving details about Dr Singh's imminent visit.
"The prime minister is visiting at the invitation of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, H E Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar Adua," Suri said.
"Relations between India and Nigeria have been traditionally friendly and warm. India had established its diplomatic representation in Nigeria in 1958 even before Nigeria attained its independence in 1960," he said.
Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma will be accompanying the prime minister on the visit. A contingent of businessmen from leading business associations would also be part of the contingent besides journalists from various newspapers and television organisations.
According to the information made available by the MEA, the trade between India and Nigeria touched US $7.9 billion in 2006-2007. Dr Singh will address a joint session of the Nigerian parliament during his stay and also hold talks with President Yar'Adua on bilateral issues. A number of MOUs are expected to be signed during his visit.
Dr Singh and his delegation will then travel to Johannesburg and Pretoria to attend the second summit of the India Brazil South Africa Forum on October 17. The prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his host President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and President Lula of Brazil.
