India and South Africa have agreed to expand co-operation in the fields of power including renewable energy, health, Information Technology, Science and Technology, tourism, hospitality, infrastructure development and culture. Addressing a joint press conference with South African President Jacob Zuma in Pretoia today following the delegation level talks, the visiting President Mrs.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil said that the focus of their discussions was on issues covering the vast canvass of Indo-South African relations. She said, both the countries will closely monitor the implementation of various agreements that exist.
Mrs. Patil said that discussions with President Zuma were wide ranging and covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. While expressing satisfaction over the current state of relations, Both the leaders felt that considerable opportunities existed which are needed to be fully explored, particularly in the area of trade and economic cooperation. Indian companies are investing in capacity building by systematic training of South Africans, creating jobs and playing an important role in the development and economic growth of South Africa. Mrs. Patil informed that the business delegation accompanying her would explore business opportunities in South Africa.
AIR correspondent reports, President Zuma and Mrs. Patil will be participating in the Business Forum tomorrow to listen to views of captains of industry from both sides, and encourage them to contribute to the bilateral economic exchanges.
President Patil reminded that the piracy in the Indian Ocean region adversely impacts both the countries. She reiterated that India is deeply committed to work with South Africa to ensure that the trade routes are not affected and a sense of safety and security in the maritime waters is brought.
Mrs. Patil said, India is interested in working closely with the Government of South Africa to develop Gandhi heritage sites in South Africa. She thanked South Africa for its meaningful contribution, as one of its closest partners, on important issues like reform of the United Nations, reform of the international financial system, including the Bretton Woods Institutions, climate change and global trade talks. India and South Africa are members of IBSA, BRICS, G-20, IOR-ARC, NAM, the Commonwealth and other plurilateral as well as multilateral bodies, where they work together.
Mrs.Patil also recognised the South African hand in the form of Coach Gary Kirsten in ensuring victory for India in the Cricket World Cup in 2011.
South African President Jacob Zuma sought India’s cooperation in enhancing skills in the areas of engineering, information and communication technology, computer science, finance, economics and accounting to boost the South African infrastructure programme.