New Delhi/Addis Ababa, May 23
Seeking a “strong and purposeful partnership” with Africa, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today embarked on a mission to cement bilateral ties and “revitalise” engagement with the resource-rich continent. Manmohan Singh who arrived in the Ethiopian capital on the first leg of his two-nation visit, was accorded a red- carpet welcome.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Haliemariam Desalegn on his arrival at Bole International Airport in Ethiopia on Monday. — PTI

He will attend the second Africa-India Forum Summit here. The aim of the summit is to cement India’s ties with Africa. Singh was given a rousing reception and was welcomed by the Ethiopian deputy prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn and the Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia B S Bishnoi. He also inspected a guard of honour.

Relations between India and Africa are marked by strong people-to-people interaction and a deep sense of solidarity and goodwill,” Earlier in New Delhi in his departure statement, Manmohan Singh had said: “Both Africa and India have the advantage of a youthful population, commitment to democracy, pluralism and spirit of entrepreneurship. The large population of people of Indian origin in all parts of Africa is a living testimony to our historical links," he said. These are compelling factors for a “strong and purposeful partnership” between India and Africa that responds to the realities of the 21st Century, he added.

"It (India-Africa Forum) is designed to respond to the needs and priorities of Africa and for India to learn from Africa's rich experience. It is based on equality, mutual trust and a consultative and transparent approach. It is a living embodiment of South-South cooperation," he said.

15 African countries are set to participate in the summit, where Singh is also expected to make a strong pitch for UN reforms. — PTI