MANILA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indian President Ram Nath Kovind arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, kicking off a five-day state visit to this Southeast Asian country.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will welcome Kovind on Friday afternoon at the presidential palace.
After an official welcome ceremony, Kovind will hold a bilateral meeting with Duterte "to discuss areas of mutual interest, including political, economic, cultural and people-to-people engagement."
The two presidents will then witness the exchange of agreements signed between their two governments after which they will face the media to issue a joint press statement.
On Friday night, Duterte will host a state banquet for Kovind, also in the palace.
"The state visit marks an important milestone in the 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.
While in Manila, Kovind will also attend a gathering of Indian nationals living in the Philippines and the Filipino beneficiaries of the Mahaveer Philippine Foundation, Inc., a humanitarian organization.
