hands across the ocean Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of India
Meles Zenawi Prime Minister of ethiopia
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ForeWord
a tIMe For reneWal the India-africa partnership is based on firm historical foundations. through the decades it has grown into one of the most productive and durable partnerships, befitting the increased interdependence among nations that characterises the 21st century. our similar historical experiences have engendered a common worldview. Understanding and sensitivity to each other’s strengths, requirements and constraints gives our partnership lasting strength and resilience. For the people of India, africa is the land of awakening of the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. In the middle of the last century, within a decade of each other, both India and africa broke through the yoke of colonial domination after a long and painful struggle. In those initial days, when we were taking the first steps for socio-economic advancement, we stood by each other. our bonds of empathy and cooperation have since been visible in our cooperation in several global fora over the past several decades. India is today on a path of rapid economic growth. africa is witnessing a phase of robust resurgence. some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in africa. africa is blessed with a young and dynamic population. this is complemented by a visionary leadership which is keen to see the continent realise its true potential. Both our peoples desire a better and healthier life. new opportunities for cooperation, therefore, beckon us. this is the time for India and africa to renew and redirect their age-old bonds of friendship to respond to the aspirations of their peoples.
(Left) Indian and African leaders with artistes after a cultural programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the first India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in April 2008.
I am happy to note that the high level of political commitment on both sides to India-africa cooperation is ably supported by our entrepreneurs, scholars, writers and media. India and africa are blessed with a large pool of immensely talented business people driven by a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. they deserve our full support and guidance in harnessing trade and investment opportunities. there is a lot that we can learn from each other’s development experiences. India’s engagement with africa is marked by a strong focus on capacity-building. apart from contributing to human resource development and strengthening of institutions in various african countries, India-africa cooperation is also aimed at facilitating greater intra-african cooperation. our common interests help us to address global issues together. Poverty, hunger and disease are our biggest challenges. as part of south-south cooperation, we must pool our knowledge and wisdom in addressing global challenges. these include protection of the environment, development of alternative and renewable sources of energy, the menace of terrorism and extremism, and the establishment of a democratic, equitable and just international order. the rise of India and africa is opening new windows for our collaboration. Working hand in hand, India and africa can contribute to each other’s welfare and prosperity and thereby to global peace, stability and development. the India-african Forum summit offers an ideal platform to do so. together with our african partners, we will work towards its success.
Dr. Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of India