President Murmu arrives in Slovakia, accorded ceremonial welcome
The Hindu
President Droupadi Murmu visits Slovakia, receiving traditional welcome and strengthening ties with delegation-level talks and business engagements.
President Droupadi Murmu was, on Wednesday (April 9, 2025), received by President Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava.
MS. Murmu arrived in Bratislava on Wednesday (April 9, 2025) in the second leg of her two-nation State visit, becoming only the second Indian Head of State to visit the Slovak Republic.
She was extended a traditional Slovak welcome with bread and salt by a couple in folk dress.
"President Droupadi Murmu was received by President Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. She was extended a traditional Slovak welcome with bread and salt by a couple in folk dress. The President was accorded a ceremonial welcome with the Guard of Honour," the President's Office said in a post on X.
"President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn arrived at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava today. Warmly received by President @PellegriniP_ of Slovakia and accorded a ceremonial welcome with Guard of Honour. This is the first Presidential visit from India to Slovakia in nearly three decades," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
Ms. Murmu was offered a bread by the Slovak couple which she dipped in salt and ate.
The ancient custom is performed for distinguished guests on various special occasions symbolically as a token of hospitality, friendship, respect.
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