Summit "resounding success" as India, Africa pledge closer partnership

India and Africa vow to cooperate in a closer partnership on Wednesday while closing the second India-Africa Forum Summit which was lauded as "resounding success" by leaders and delegations.

After closing the two-day's summit held in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, African Union (AU) Commission Chairman Jean Ping hailed the success of the summit. "It gives new impetus to the African-Indian partnership with the adoption of the two documents, " he told audience at a joint press conference.

Africa and India adopted Addis Ababa Declaration and Framework of Enhanced Cooperation at the summit, which are expected to chart the roadmap for the further cooperation between the two neighbors across the Indian Ocean.

India and Africa pledged in the declaration to strengthen international cooperation to combat global terrorism and to boost trade and investment.

They also called for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in Libya and urged the parties in the conflict to strive towards a political solution through peaceful means and dialogue.

The ending of the summit coincided the African Day, which was celebrated to mark the continent's struggle for independence. Jean Ping said Africa will consolidate its independence through development with partners, such as India.

The India-Africa summit is an important platform for the two sides to cooperate and coordinate in a spate of political and economic issues.

Equatorial Guinea's President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is also the African Union chairperson, said at the press conference that Africa needs to get itself out of critical situations by creating multi-types of cooperation with other countries including India.

His appeal for a closer partnership with India was responded by Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister, who reiterated New Delhi's confidence in investing in the politically volatile Africa.

"The people and government of India have faith in people and the governments and society of Africa whatever temporary difficulties they may be facing now that they have real resources and inclination to overcome," he said.

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