Manmohan to inaugurate India-Africa Summit

New Delhi, Apr 8: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the first ever two-day India-Africa Forum Summit here today.

The summit will aim to explore ways and means to enhance partnership in various fields. The relationship between India and the 54-nation African continent is set to be redefined with the two sides expected to come out with a vision document outlining ways to boost engagement, particularly in the areas of economy and security.

A joint declaration and a plan of action will be issued to outline the relationship in the 21st Century after the brainstorming sessions between the leaders of the two sides.

An action plan for furthering cooperation in areas like environment, health, education, energy and mining, while the declaration will address broader areas of cooperation and common views on regional and international issues, including fight against terrorism, climate change and WTO negotiations.

India is likely to announce duty cuts for certain imports from Africa and assistance in developmental projects while striving to tap the immense mineral resources in that continent.

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

ANI