India, Africa united by goals of progress: Sushma

India and Africa are united by their common goals of peace, progress and prosperity, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday as she sought cooperation and partnership between the two in the spirit of ‘ sabka saath, sabka vikas’ .

Speaking at the third India-Africa Forum Summit, she said the gathering was like a “family reunion”.

“India has always stood for and with Africa. Ours is a relationship forged in the crucible of the shared struggle against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination and apartheid. That era is now behind us, but the solidarity engendered by that shared struggle continues,” Mrs. Swaraj said.

'Equality, friendship and solidarity'

She said the partnership between India and Africa rests on the pillars of economic growth, development and empowerment and is a consolidation of engagement at various levels — bilateral, regional and pan African.

“The longstanding and multifaceted India-Africa development partnership is based on the principles of equality, friendship and solidarity. It represents one of the finest examples of South-South cooperation,” Mrs. Swaraj said, adding that she was confident that the Summit will chart a bold new course for future cooperation.