Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Associated Press - September 15, 2004
Indian President Abdul Kalam and his South African counterpart, Thabo Mbeki, announced the agreements after an hour-long meeting.
Mbeki said the two populous countries shared similar challenges in overcoming poverty and improving economic development.
The countries also discussed using India's vast satellite launching capacity in projects to link rural parts of Africa with teachers and professionals worldwide via the latest technology, the presidents said in a news conference.
"We would be working together to have a joint Indo-SA satellite system ... to help in health and also education," Kalam said.
Kalam arrived Tuesday in Cape Town for a four-day official visit, the first by an Indian head of state since South Africa's first all-race elections in 1994.
The countries have become important business partners. In 2003, trade between South Africa and India - the world's 14th largest economy - approached $1 billion.
Mbeki, who visited India in October, said the two countries would sign a memorandum of understanding on improving information and communication technology.
Talks also dealt with the World Trade Organization, AIDS, peacekeeping efforts in Central and West Africa and India-Pakistan relations.
"We are at the moment, with Pakistan, at the talking table," Kalam said, adding that he hoped common problems, including poverty and development, would overshadow conflict issues between the two nuclear neighbors.
India and Pakistan for decades have battled over the status of Kashmir.
Kalam also said India would develop an AIDS vaccine within three years, but didn't elaborate.
"This is important, because the strain of HIV in Africa and India seems to share the same virility," he said.
In a joint statement, the two presidents condemned the growth of terrorism and religious extremism threatening international peace and security.
They also called for the early establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions to bring an end to the Israeli occupation.
Indian parliamentarians, including Minister of Social Justice Meira Kumar, were accompanying Kalam on his trip.
Kalam was to address South African legislators later Wednesday, and will address the second sitting of the Pan African Parliament, which opens Friday.
040915
AP040920
Copyright © 2004 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .