PM to hold 20 bilateral meetings with African leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold as many as 20 bilateral meetings with Heads of States and governments from Africa tomorrow, a day ahead of the Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) on Thursday.
The bilaterals will include talks with Zimbabwe's President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, South African President Jacob G Zuma, Swaziland King Mswati III, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup said.
Both sides are expected to discuss key strategic issues of trade, energy, security, UN Security Council reforms as well as ways to enhance cooperation in areas of Blue or Ocean economy, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Modi had said, "The Summit is going to be one of the biggest gatherings of African countries outside Africa, which is a reflection of the desire on part of both Africa and India to engage more intensively in our quest for a better future."
In his statement on 'Gearing up for the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit 2015', the Prime Minister noted India and Africa have a historic relationship based on mutual respect, trust and solidarity. In recent times, our relationship has witnessed progress and has grown into a mutually beneficial partnership.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who held a host of bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Africa, will also hold talks with as many as 12 leaders from that region separately.