Hosting a banquet for representatives of African Nations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said a century ago when the construction of this building (President’s House), began, it would have been difficult to imagine such a moment when India as well as so many African nations would discard their colonial chains, threw away the imperial yoke and one day stand together here to celebrate freedom, democracy and human dignity.
“I’m supremely confident that the work done during the summit, refreshing of a collective vision for the future of our people will be critical in defining the directions and counters of our political and economic engagements,” said the President.
He said given that India and Africa are home to a third of the world’s populations, this engagement is certain to have an impact on the future of the sustainable development of the world.
“Your shared visions and guidance reflected in the two documents – Delhi Declaration 2015 and India-Africa Framework for Strategic Cooperation – that have been adopted by you at the summit and encapsulate the India-Africa Strategic Partnership, is a unique example of South-South Cooperation,” the President added.
The Delhi Declaration called for continued collaboration in the fields of peace and security, besides strengthening of the UN counter-terrorism mechanism and enhancing cooperation and coordination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The India-Africa Framework for Strategic Cooperation reaffirmed strong commitment to work together for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, including the Security Council, to make it more regionally representative, democratic, accountable and effective.
The third edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit 2015, which was commenced on October 26 at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex here, concluded here on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering the vote of thanks.