Chilean President arrives in India

New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): The President of Chile, Dr. Michelle Bachelet, arrived here on a five-day official visit on Monday morning.

Bachelet is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Minister of Agriculture and Women Empowerment and a business delegation.

During the visit, the President of Chile will call President Pratibha Patil, who will host a State Banquet in her honour on Tuesday at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

As a special gesture, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Chile, the President will host a cultural program at Rashtrapati Bhawan today.

Bachelet will hold bilateral talks with President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Dr. Mohammed Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani.

A number of agreements are expected to be signed during the visit.

The last state visit was undertaken by President Ricardo Lagos of Chile in January 2005. (ANI)