“A South African beginning!”
Advertisement
Modi will be in South Africa as part of a whirlwind five-day tour of Africa that will also take him to three other African countries – Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. “Ceremonial welcome greets PM @narendramodi on arrival at Union Buildings, Pretoria”, tweeted Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
India’s prime minister has kicked off a four-nation African tour on a continent where China’s presence has been strong, including countries that haven’t been visited by an Indian leader in more than three decades.
South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Nkoana Mashabane and Minister for Small Business Lindiwe Zulu welcomed Modi at Air Force Base, Waterkloof, in Pretoria.
PM Modi who is now on his visit to Africa signed a one of its kind agreement to transfer knowledge about photography with African nations.
The focus of the visit will be on deepening cooperation in areas of hydrocarbons, maritime security, trade and investment, agriculture and food.
“A visit to South Africa is incomplete without remembering the beloved Madiba (Nelson Mandela)”.
“In this regard, a Chief Executive Officers’ Forum and a South Africa-India Business Forum are planned to be held during the visit to facilitate business opportunities”, she said.
While in South Africa, Modi is also expected to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s time in the country.
With 1.3 million people of Indian origin, South Africa also has the largest diaspora population in Africa, a major element of Modi’s diplomatic push across the world since taking office two years ago.
The post India’s Modi begins four-nation tour of Africa appeared first on Punch Newspapers.
“It was in South Africa that Gandhi found his true calling”, Modi said.
Advertisement
He will also attend a reception to be hosted by the Mayor of Durban. Mozambique alone receives nearly a quarter of India’s investment in Africa, according to India’s government.
