Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari will embark on a two-nation visit to Nigeria and Mali on Monday to strengthen bilateral relations with the West African countries. During his visit, Mr Ansari will meet the top leadership of both the nations and explore new areas of co-operation.<br/><br/>In Nigerian capital Abuja, the Vice President will hold talks with President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives besides delivering an address at the National Defence College of Nigeria.<br/><br/>In Lagos, Mr Ansari will address the joint business forum at the University of Lagos. He will inaugurate the High Commission of India Chancery complex at Abuja and interact with members of the Indian community both in Abuja and Lagos.<br/><br/>Briefing media in New Delhi today, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, Mr Ansari's visit to Nigeria intends to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. In Mali, Mr Ansari will meet the President, the Prime Minister and address the National Assembly.