S.Africa, India vow cooperation against terrorism

By Hassan Isilow

PRETORIA, South Africa (AA) – India and South Africa have agreed to cooperate in the fight against regional and global terrorism, visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told reporters in the capital Pretoria Friday.

“President [Jacob] Zuma and I agreed that our two nations need to stay vigilant and cooperate actively to combat terrorism both in our region and the world,” Modi said at a joint media briefing alongside Zuma, his host.

Modi is currently in South Africa for a two-day state visit, part of his four-nation tour of the continent.

The Indian leader said terrorism is a sad threat that enganders the safety and security of the peoples of the two nations.

On trade, Modi said Indian companies have strong business interests in South Africa.

He said there is potential for Indian companies to boost investments in the country in sectors such as mining, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

“About one-fourth of our investments in Africa are in South Africa, and there is potential to expand our business and investment ties further,” he said.

The prime minister said bilateral trade has grown over 300 percent in the last decade.

Beyond economic ties, he added, India could also partner with South Africa in the fields of defense and security.

For his part, Zuma said Modi’s visit further strengthened the already warm historical ties between the two countries.

“South Africa and India enjoy strong relations dating back to the struggle against apartheid. India was a vociferous campaigner against apartheid colonialism,” he said.

Zuma also said Modi’s visit enables South Africa to further enhance trade, investment, and commercial relations with India.

“We are looking to increase and diversify South African exports to India,” he said. “We have identified new areas for market access including the defense, deep mining, renewable energy, and health sectors.”

Zuma also assured India that South Africa is a great tourism destination and is working to streamline procedures for Indians hoping to visit.

The Indian premier began his first tour of Africa in Mozambique on Thursday and is expected to visit Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia.