India, Africa resolve to enhance co-operation in defence

Pretoria, Oct 2 (UNI) Taking their defence ties beyond the buyer-seller relationship, India and South Africa today resolved to work towards closer cooperation in joint research and development, besides training in operations of modern submarines In the 'Tshwane Declaration,' signed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and South African President Thabo Mbeki, the two countres agreed to work towards closer cooperation in the defence sector, including the possiblity of joint research and development.

South Africa also expressed appreciation for the training provided by India to its defence personnel for UN peacekeeping missions.

On its part, India expressed willingness to support the objectives of the new partnership for Africa's development.

Both agreed that nuclear energy could play an important role in ensuring safe, sustainable and non-polluting sources of energy to meet the rising global demands of energy.

UNI SMA/RB Vd RAI1900