India, South Africa agree to cooperate in combating terrorism regionally and globally
08 July, Pretoria
India and South Africa today signed Mou’s in four areas of co-operation. Both countries have signed MoUs in the area of Information and Communication technology, Tourism, Grass root innovation and ‘art, culture’ sport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in joint press briefing, after one to one talk with Zacob Zuma and delegation level talk, thanked South Africa’s support to India’s NSG membership bid.
Modi called for strengthen partnership in the field of defence production, he said the defence scoter in India has undergone a complete transformation which opens up new possibilities of co-operation in manufacturing defence equipment. This could meet not only domestic demand in both the countries but globally also.
Talking about climate change Prime Minister thanked South Africa for its support in promoting global solar alliance which is an important forum foe sharing technology resources and experience in the renewable energy sector.
Talking about combat terrorism, Prime Minister said that Terrorism is a shared threat and both countries must be vigilant and cooperate to combat terrorism, regionally and globally. Talking about economic relation outlines how the relation of both countries has advanced with concrete outcomes and the potential to expand eco ties further.
Prime Minister in joint press briefing said in last two decades’ relationship of India and South Africa has been a story of strong advances and concrete achievement as two-way trade grown over 300 percent. Modi mentioned that how the Indian companies hold strong business in South Africa and investments in South Africa is about one fourth of total investment in the Africa.
He said that both countries have potential to expand their business in the field of minerals and mining, chemicals and pharmaceutical and in information and communication technology. Prime Minister mentioned the common shared values and common struggles of the both countries. He said the relation of both countries, is a story of resolve, determination, justice & excellence of human endeavour. In the briefing Modi also remembered Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
On Both countries co-operation on International relation India and South Africa has decided to fasten their efforts for UN security council reforms and for democratization of othe international institution.
After the Joint press conference Prime Minister met Deputy President of South Africa H E Cyrill Ramphosa. In the evening He will visit constitution Hill and Nelson Mandela foundation in Johannesburg. At around 10 pm Indian time in Johannesburg he will address Indian Diaspora community and after that he will depart for Durban.