Indian President Kovind to visit Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Indian President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to visit the country from Oct. 17 to 21 upon the invitation of President Duterte.

The five-day state visit marks an important milestone in Philippines-India bilateral relations as both countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on Oct. 18 to discuss areas of mutual interest, including political, economic, cultural and people-to-people engagement.

On the sidelines of the visit, Kovind is expected to meet with the members of the Indian community in the Philippines and the Filipino beneficiaries of the Mahaveer Philippine Foundation Inc.

Kovind is the third Indian president to make a state visit to the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1949.