Agartala, Jun 7 (PTI) President Ram Nath Kovind today declared Tripura's queen variety pineapple as state fruit and said its export was a major step in connecting the state with world trade.

The state holds good potential in world trade. Export of the pineapple to foreign countries is a major step in connecting with world trade, Kovind said during his address at a reception programme here this evening.

He hoped the queen variety pineapple will find good acceptance among different countries including neighbouring Bangladesh.

Tripura exported its first consignment of one tonne pineapples to Dubai earlier this month.

"I am very happy to declare queen pineapple as state fruit of Tripura. I was told the first consignment of the fruit was sent abroad few days back. This is a major step in connecting to world trade. I hope pineapple from Tripura will get good response elsewhere as well, the president said.

He said Tripura holds a very important position to develop trade with ASEAN countries including neighbouring Bangladesh adding the central government was serious about developing the Northeast through its 'Act East' policy.

Kovind met sports personalities including Olympian Dipa Karmakar, kick boxer Nistha Chakraborty who clinched gold medal in Russia, gymnast Ashmita Paul, soccer player Laxmita Reang, tennis player Somdev Kishore Dev Barman and others.

He urged everyone to uphold peace and said it was a pre-requisite for development.

"I feel proud for these children. I asked them what they wanted to do in life. They said they wanted to play for India," he said.

He praised Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb for his efforts to develop Tripura.

"The chief minister is an enthusiastic leader himself. I am confident that Tripura will be further developed under his leadership," he said.

Recounting his visit to Udaipur earlier in the day, Kovind said he found Tripura's history very fascinating.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur introduced modern rule in Tripura and helped India's struggle for Independence. People of the state showed extraordinary contribution to support refugees during 1971 War and faced attacks, which is commendable, he said.

Kovind also lauded Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya for giving the first recognition to Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and said Tripura's culture has a rich tradition.

He also mentioned that a Tripura king (Radhakishore Manikya Bahadur) also helped scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose in his research by giving money.

The President urged the state government to explore tourism sector and said youths of the state could benefit and become self-reliant through such avenues.

He lauded the state government for honouring War heroes like Lance Naik Albert Ekka, who laid down his life fighting the Pakistani forces during the 1971 Indo-Pak War in the Tripura frontiers.

A park was dedicated in his honour earlier this week.

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