President Kalam arrives at Mauritius

Port Louis, Mar 11 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam arrived here from Yangon today on a three-day visit, seeking to consolidate traditional bilateral ties in economic and other areas and review progress on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement.

He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport, where Mauritian Prime Minister Naveenchandra Ramgoolam, his wife and other senior ministers were present to receive him.

Dr Kalam will be the chief guest at the country's National Day function, which also commemorates the 76th anniversary of the Dandi March.

Soon after his arrival, Dr Kalam went to the State House for a meet with Mauritian President Aneeroodh Juggnauth.

Mautitius, fondly described by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as ''great little country'' is viewed by India as ''a friendly gateway to the African continent and an important partner at multilateral fora.'' The vibrant bilateral relations can be gauged from the fact that there are as many as 24 agreements between the two countries.

De Kalam's itinerary includes interactions with CEOs of IT companies, Indian nationals and students.

UNI SKS/SMA AK KN1810