By Sue-Ann Wayow

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will officially visit Trinidad and Tobago this week.

He is scheduled to be in the country on Thursday and Friday.

“This visit marks a significant milestone in the longstanding diplomatic relationship between both nations, which dates back to 1962,” a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday stated on Monday.

The release stated the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including finance, foreign policy, justice, education, legal affairs, health, agriculture, trade, energy, culture, sports and information communication technology (ICT), laying the groundwork for enhanced strategic collaboration between both nations.

Modi is visiting Trinidad and Tobago based on an invitation from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

It will be his first visit as Indian Prime Minister and his first bilateral visit since 1999.

Indian media also reported that in addition to Trinidad and Tobago, Modi is also expected to visit Argentina, Brazil, Ghana and Namibia during the period July 2 to July 9 with the aim of strengthening India’s relationships with those countries.