Mozambique president visits alma mater IIM-A

Mozambique President Filipe J. Nyusi on Thursday visited his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A), and interacted with 18 of his former classmates.

Nyusi had studied briefly here for a management course in 2003 and had a happy reunion with his batchmates.

Speaking about his IIM-A days in a lighter vein, he said that since he has become the first student of the institution to become a president of a nation, he should charge IIM-A for putting its name in his resume.

"My CV contains the name of IIM-A and Gujarat. It is now being recognised as an institution where a president had studied. So, I should charge you," he said jocularly, praising the high levels of education offered here.

Nyusi was among 36 students who underwent a four-and-half-month course in management education, and the 18 former classmates who met him on Thursday now hold senior positions in the corporate world, said Arvind Sahay, IIM-A dean for alumni and external relations.

Later, speaking to media persons, he said that he chose India as the first Asian country for an official visit after becoming president in January this year.

"We have strong diplomatic and political ties since independence of my country almost 40 years ago. But now, we want to embark on a journey of stronger economic relations," Nyusi said.

He said India was the first country to greet him after his election and sent a high-level delegation to attend his swearing-in ceremony.

"The Indian president tendered an invitation, and here I am," Nyusi said in Portuguese, Mozambique's official language.

He said he held very fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in New Delhi before coming to Gujarat on Thursday for a two-day visit.

Earlier in the day, Nyusi visited the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, Arvind Mills in Santej and had a luncheon meeting with Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.