India, Africa adopt Delhi Declaration, Africa-India Framework for Cooperation

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan today said the first ever India-Africa Forum Summit has adopted the Delhi Declaration and the Africa-India Framework for Cooperation, which constitute the blueprint for our cooperation in the 21st Century.

New Delhi, Apr 9 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan today said the first ever India-Africa Forum Summit has adopted the Delhi Declaration and the Africa-India Framework for Cooperation, which constitute the blueprint for our cooperation in the 21st Century.

In his opening remarks at the concluding session, Singh said: "The decision to expand unilateral duty free and preferential market access for exports from all the 50 Least Developed Countries and the offer of lines of credit amounting to 5.4 billion U.S. dollars are steps in this direction".

The enhancement of our budget for technical assistance and training programmes and, greater opportunities for African students to pursue studies in India reflect the priority we attach to human resource development and capacity building, he said.

Taking note of the constructive discussion held on issues like food and energy security, UN reforms, climate change and trade, Singh said, "India offered to assist Africa through holistic capacity building in agricultural production, storage and transportation".

On the sidelines of the Summit several events like the first ever India-Africa Editors Conference, joint performances by Indian and African cultural troupes a seminar of intellectuals from Africa and India on India-Africa Partnership in the 21st century, a programme for youth and women from Africa and a business conclave were organized.

The summit was attended by heads of states of 14 African nations, who have been chosen by the 54-nation African Union.

ANI