India launches tele-medicine pilot proj for Africa

Adis Ababa, July 6: India today launched tele-education and tele-medicine pilot projects for entire Africa as an example of South-South cooperation which uses IT and space technology and generates a multiplier developmental effect.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee who concluded a three-day visit to Ethiopia, said in his departure statement that both countries had drawn up a ''forward-looking agenda'' of engagement in the political, trade, economic, science and technology, agriculture, culture, education and other sectors.

''We have agreed to expand the scope of our cooperation in capacity building, cooperation in education, health care etc.,'' he said describing Ethiopia as the ''diplomatic capital of Africa.'' The two countries also formalised regular bilateral dialogue focussing on bilateral, regional and global issues between their respective foreign offices and to establish a Joint Commission.

They signed agreemets including one on Science and Technology and the Education Exchange Programme to help accelerate the ongoing capacity building efforts in agriculture and human resource development.

Asserting that bilateral relationship would be further diversified, the External Affairs Minister said it was decided to enhance economic and business linkages in both public and private sectors with greater participation by Indian entities in the infrastructure development of Ethiopia.

The two countries also signed bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and decided to speed up finalisation of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement to provide the necessary incentives and institutional framework.

During the visit, Mr Mukherjee also discussed regional issues including African integration, Darfur and Somalia and other international matters like fight against terrorism, climate change, trade and UN reforms.

Reiterating India's support for the development of democratic institutions in Ethiopia, he said both countries had agreed to enhance parliamentary exchanges, continue cooperation against international terrorism and sustain common positions on climate change, UN Reforms including the need for Africa to be represented as a permanent member on an expanded UNSC.

Both countries reached an understanding on how the process of integration would work in Africa including the move towards greater consolidation of regional economic groupings.

The two countries signed five agreements including for Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments and on cooperation in science and technology and education. The agreements signed here yesterday, also included one on the Establishment of a Joint Ministerial Commission and a Protocol for Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the External Affairs Ministry.

The External Affairs Minister also convened a meeting of the Heads of Missions in the Ethiopian capital and reaffirmed India's support to the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

He also directed the Heads of Missions in the region to enhance development partrnership with these countries.

Mr Mukherjee spelt out India's policy on further development and intensification of traditionally close, cooperative and mutually-beneficial relations with countries of the region.

The Conference addressed major themes including bilateral relations, India-Africa partnership, Africa and the World, and enhancing India's development partnership with Africa.

Among the issues discussed was the need for Indian missions to continue to provide assistance in times of need to Indian communities residing in their territories of accreditation.

Many useful suggestions emerged from the discussions which would help further develop and fine-tune India's overall policy of partnership towards Africa covering political, cultural, trade and economic, Science and Technology, defence, health, agriculture and other spheres.

UNI