Hamid Ansari meets Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn

ADDIS ABABA: Vice President HamidAnsari, who is here to attend the historic golden jubilee summit of the 54-nation African Union, on Saturday met with Ethiopian Prime Minister HailemariamDesalegn.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Ansari had a meeting with Desalegn, who is also the Chairperson of the AU.

The Vice President also interacted with Chairperson of AU Commission Nkosazana Diamini-Zuma.

Details of what transpired during the meetings were not immediately available.

India has been among the countries in the forefront of the transformation of African states and considers the 50th anniversary of the Union as a milestone in that endeavour, Indian officials said.

Meanwhile, African Union leaders today met for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the bloc, stressing on unity and intensified efforts to render the continent free from poverty, conflict and social inequalities.

"While our founders met for the formation of the OAU at the dawn of the independence period 50 years ago, it is fitting that we are meeting here today at a time when Africa is rising," Desalegn said addressing the gathering.

Besides India, the other select partners invited for the Summit of the top African leadership include the US, the European Union, France, Brazil, Russia, China, Jamaica, Palestine and the UAE.