PM wants to enhance eco relations in S.Africa

NEW DELHI: Prime minister Manmohan Singh has left for a four-day visit to South Africa. The PM will participate in the Satyagraha Centenary Celebrations being organised by the government of South Africa.

Dr Singh will also review bilateral relations and the India-South Africa Strategic Partnership with President Mbeki.

"I hope to discuss with President Mbeki measures that both countries can take to further deepen our partnership. South Africa is India's biggest trading partner in the African continent. Many Indian companies are expanding their business presence there. I hope we will be able to identify steps to enhance our current commercial and economic relationship," the PM said before his departure.

Dr Singh also said that he would discuss with President Mbeki current international issues. "Our two countries share a common vision of a co-operative, rule-based multi-polar world order. I think that South Africa and India have a major role to play in carrying forward the agenda for reforms at the UN, including the expansion of permanent membership of the UN Security Council, so that the interests of the developing world are better reflected and realised in this organisation, and in newer initiatives such as IBSA," he said.