Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu embarked on a seven-day visit to three South African countries this morning. He will visit Botswana followed by Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Mr Naidu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar, two Members of Parliament and a team of senior officials. We have a report from our Correspondent accompanying the Vice President.

“In continuation of New Delhi’s enhanced engagement with Africa, Mr Naidu will meet his Botswana counterpart Slumber Tsogwane and hold delegation-level talks on the first leg of his visit. He will also inaugurate the 13th Annual Global Expo Botswana 2018. During his visit to Zimbabwe, the Vice President will call on President Emerson Mnangagwa(मनंगाग्वा).

On his final leg of the visit to Malawi, Mr Naidu will call on its President Peter Arthur Mutharika. He will also inaugurate the Jaipur Foot Camp to mark the 150th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi there. He will meet and exchange views with Indian Diaspora in all three countries.