Malabo [Equatorial Guinea], Apr 09 (NT): On a three-nation state visit to the African countries of Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia here President Ram Nath Kovind announced that soon India will open its embassy in Equatorial Guinea to support the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Addressing the parliamentarians here during his state visit, the President Kovind expressed gratitude to the people of the nation for their warm reception and said, “I came with greetings, friendships, and commitments of 1.3 billion Indians. It is the water of the oceans which has united our civilisation. Diplomacy is catching up between the two countries and I am happy to announce that very soon, India will be opening its embassy in Equatorial Guinea, in fact, in this city”.

"Guinea is the point where 0-degree latitude meets 0-degree longitude, where equator and Prime Meridian intersects. In a sense, it is centre of the world. The warm welcome I received has made this visit truly special," Pres added.

Further interacting with the Indian community in Malabo, President Kovind said the highest civilian award accorded to him by Equatorial Guinea's President is an honor for all the citizens of India.

"Equatorial Guinea's President told me that I am conferred with the highest civilian award. The honour wasn't given to me, but to President of India, which means it was for citizens of India. You are equally entitled to the honour," President Kovind further said.

Earlier on Sunday, three agreements were inked between India and Equatorial Guinea here, in the presence of President Kovind and Equatorial Guinea’s President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.