Media Statement
30 October 2015
President Zuma reaffirms support for a transformative development partnership between India and Africa
President Jacob Zuma has today, Friday, 30 October 2015, concluded his visit to the Republic of India where he participated in the Third India-Africa Forum Summit, which took place from 26-29 October 2015 in New Delhi under the theme: "Partners in progress towards a dynamic and transformative development agenda."
The Summit, which was attended by 41 Heads of State and Government from the African continent, including the African Union Commission, adopted the Delhi Declaration and the India-Africa Framework for the Strategic Cooperation. These outcome documents cover key priority areas for cooperation, namely, economic development; trade and Industry; agriculture; energy; blue/ocean economy; infrastructure; education and skills development; health; and peace and security.
President Zuma stated that the aim of the India-Africa Summit was to ensure a renewed focus on the strategic partnership and implementation of the agreed areas of cooperation, thereby fulfilling the promise of a better life for all in Africa and India.
"In summary, the Summit was characterised by an enthusiasm from both sides to take the relationship forward. The Summit reflected on the historical ties between India and Africa, especially India's support for liberation struggles on the Continent and how this relationship evolved to become the embodiment of South-South Cooperation. In this regard, the issue of skills development and information communication technology (ICT) was discussed, amongst others. India has a role to play in imparting skills to Africa so as to contribute to the technological development and socio-economic improvement of many countries on the Continent, “ said President Zuma.
With regard to the announcement by India's Prime Minister Modi that US $600 million will be earmarked for development support to Africa, President Zuma stated that the NEPAD Committee is responsible for development projects on the Continent. "Therefore, the African Union will distribute the funds accordingly where finances are required to support crucial AU development projects," said President Zuma.
President Zuma mentioned that Africa seeks mutually beneficial economic and trade relations with partners such as India and other countries of the South. For example, current infrastructure development projects on the continent are geared towards boosting intra-African trade and regional integration.
The President concluded that: "In the next five years, we will see a growing India-Africa partnership with increased business relations between Indian and African companies in priority projects that will help us move forward."
Enquiries: Bongani Majola 082 339 1993 or bonganim@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
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