“A Maputo morning, an African dawn!” He will be visiting Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya.
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Modi’s African tour will focus on boosting cooperation in areas of hydrocarbons, maritime security, trade and investment, agriculture and food.
Indian High Commissioner to Mozambique, Rudra Gaurav Shresth told the media that the successful India Africa Forum summit, which was hosted by India in October, was the event which signalled Africa is really important for Indian foreign policy.
The Prime Minister recalled that India was the first port of call in Asia for Mr. Nyusi a year ago and Mozambique was his first destination in mainland Africa today.
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“The package of visits by the top three Indian leaders within a short span of six weeks puts to rest earlier criticism of India’s visibility deficit in Africa”, said Bhatia in comments posted on the think tank’s website.
Declaring India as a “trusted friend” and a “reliable partner” of Mozambique, the Prime Minister also announced that essential medicines, including those for treating AIDS, would be donated to this country as part of efforts to strengthen its public health system.
On Friday, Modi will hold talks with South African President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria and later address an India-South Africa business meeting.
Mr. Modi said India commitment to buy pulses from Mozambique would help meet India’s requirement. “I bring with me the best wishes of 1.25 billion Indians who share the democratic spirit with the people of Mozambique”.
“India was one of the strongest supporters of Mozambican independence”, the Indian PM said.
A long-term agreement to import pulses from Mozambique is expected to be signed on Thursday.
“We want our development and economic ties to benefit our societies”.
“India and Mozambique are connected by the Indian Ocean”.
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He is also scheduled to interact with students at the Science and Technology Park at Maluana, near in Maputo, and with members of the Indian community before leaving for South Africa in the evening.
