PRESS RELEASE N.42/21st AU SUMMIT

Indian Prime Ministers sends Congratulatory Message to the AUC Chairperson for celebrations of OAU-AU Golden Jubilee

Addis Ababa, 29 May 2013 – The Prime Ministers of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh has sent a letter to congratulate the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma for the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU).

According to the congratulatory letter, Prime Minister Singh underlined that India shares the sense of achievement and optimism pulsating in the African continent at this historic moment. “Africa, for us, is the land of awakening of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It was during the 21 year of his life in Africa that his political beliefs against violence and oppression were formed”, he said. He added that, “We deeply acknowledge Africa’s contribution in our freedom struggle”.

In his letter, the Indian Prime Ministers stated that, “it was the belief of the founding fathers that India’s freedom would remain incomplete as long as the scourge of colonialism was not removed from Africa. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s Prime Minister, carried forward the conviction by supporting liberation movements across the continent. This policy was implemented by successive governments in India until the end of colonialism and apartheid on the continent” he noted.

To that effect, Prime Minister Singh said, India takes pride in being a close partner in Africa’s renewed dynamism and resurgence. The India-Africa partnership, he underscored, is anchored in equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. “Our multi-faceted engagement with the African Union reflects Africa’s own aspirations for pan-African institutions and development programmes. …We commit ourselves once again to working with Africa for the holistic empowerment of the 2 billion people of India-Africa”. He noted.

Referring to the Golden Jubilee celebration, the Indian Prime Minister explained in his letter that it provides the Indians and opportunity to pay tribute to the founders of the OAU who fought for the emancipation of Africa and laid the vision of panAfricanism in the 20th century. “I have no doubt that the African Union will continue the march ahead in its pursuit of the African Renaissance”, he acknowledged. He added, “Our cooperation with Africa will aim for the fulfillment of this objective”.

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