South African President Jacob Zuma (AFP)
South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday described the relation between India and the African countries as an embodiment of South-South cooperation.
"India's role in the eradication of colonialism and racism has been the embodiment of South-South cooperation," President Zuma said while addressing the Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in Delhi.
He recalled the roles played by former Indian prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in Africa's development.
"We remember the roles played by your visionary former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi," President Zuma said.
He said that as part of this South-South cooperation, India and Africa were playing a crucial role in the eradication of poverty and the fight against economic marginalisation.
"Those who suffer from poverty in Africa and India are women and youth, people who should play a more active role in the upliftment of society," the South African president said.
He said that "we are keen to share India's experiences in vocational training and small-scale industries" among other sectors.
"I am pleased to note that the India-Africa Forum Summit encompasses a broad area of capacity building measures," he said.
President Zuma also warned of the dangers faced by the world from terrorism arising out of the Middle East and North Africa.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session of the summit meeting of the 2015 IAFS.
In his address, PM Modi pitched for India and Africa jointly working on the UN Security Council reforms.
He also promised Africa a further $10 billion in concessional credit.