President Ram Nath Kovind holds bilateral talks with President Duterte

President Ram Nath Kovind participated in delegation-level talks with the President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines on Friday, October 18. During the talks, both the countries signed agreements about maritime domain, security, tourism, science and technology, and culture. Both countries also agreed to deepen defence and maritime security partnerships and to make it a key pillar of their bilateral cooperation.

The official Twitter handle of President Ram Nath Kovind also informed about the delegation-level talks between President of both the countries.

 While in the Philippines, President Kovind received a ceremonial welcome and also jointly addresses the press with President Duterte of the Philippines.

Ram Nath Kovind along with his wife Savita Kovind embarked on a 7-day visit to the Philippines and Japan on October 17. Upon reaching Japan, President Ram Nath Kovind is also scheduled to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.

READ | President Ram Nath Kovind receives credentials from five countries

President Ram Nath Kovind to visit Japan

President Ram Nath Kovind will be arriving in Tokyo on October 21. While in Japan, he will be attending the enthronement ceremony of Japan's Emperor Naruhito on October 22 where he will be joined by eminent personalities like Britain’s Prince Charles and Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan. According to officials, about 80 world leaders are expected at the ceremony and banquets, which will be held over two days. Royal families of the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia are also among the invitees due to attend.

“President Kovind’s visit underlines the deep traditional and civilisational bonds between India and Japan, and shared a heritage of Buddhism,” said MEA Secretary (East) Vijay Singh, while addressing the media. During his visit to Japan, the President is not scheduled to attend any official bilateral talks but he is expected to attend both the court banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako and a state banquet hosted by the Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

READ | Japan: Emperor Naruhito all set for enthronement after Typhoon Hagibis

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READ | President Kovind leaves for Philippines and Japan on seven-day visit