Minister of State for External Affairs General (retired) VK Singh on Monday called for Asia and Africa to develop multifaceted partnerships, stating that the two continents have common links of commerce, culture and religion.
"[Asia and Africa] are connected by the oceans. The seas around us have facilitated links of commerce, culture and religion with our extended neighbourhood across several millenniums... The Indian Ocean presents a number of opportunities for our close cooperation for overall development and also poses some challenges including those flowing from piracy at sea. Through our collaborative efforts we can not only tap the opportunities the Indian Ocean presents but also address the challenges it throws in our way," General VK Singh said, while speaking at the 10th anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership, under the theme 'Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity'.
"Let us in Asia and Africa continue to work together to create a conducive environment around us including through our multifaceted partnerships for our own growth and development. This is also Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision succinctly described by him in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'," he added.
Speaking of terrorism, Gen Singh said that 2015 is a significant year for the fight for global peace.
"There are significant transitions and developments taking place in Asia, Europe and the Middle East with regional and global implications. Every country in this world had faced the scourge of terrorism. The time is ripe to avail the 10th anniversary of the New Asian African Partnership to send out a strong message to the world of our shared will and capacities to contribute to global peace, stability and sustainable development with the United Nations playing a central role in dealing with global challenges and threats," he said.
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"The year 2015 marks the 70th year of the foundation of the United Nations and 10th anniversary of the World Summit and also comes with a unique opportunity to demonstrate collective will to reform the UN which is the global institution for political governance. Our failure to push for any kind of outcomes only adds to the increasing sentiment of frustration amongst the wider membership and dents the credibility of the Security Council's decisions, if it continues to ignore contemporary realities of the 21st century," he added.
Gen Singh further stated that though industrialisation has benefited much of the developing world, the by-products of the same cannot be ignored and have to be addressed in a speedy fashion.
"Today we are standing at cross roads, enjoying the fruits of industrialisation and technology but are also exposed to new challenges arising out of it. Climate change, a cross cutting issue is one among them, directly affecting the lives of people and nations. It is important for the international community led by the developed countries to take urgent ambitious actions to address climate change and its adverse impacts. Developing countries should work together for a comprehensive, balanced and equitable agreement for the post 2020 period, in accordance with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities," he said.
"The population clock keeps ticking reminding us of the responsibility to ensure sustainable and holistic development for all our people. This can only be achieved through providing access to affordable energy, housing, healthcare, basic services, education and decent employment and an enabling environment that bridges infrastructure gaps and leads to poverty reduction, economic growth and sustainable development pathways," he added.
Gen Singh also called for developed countries to support developing nations with respect to sustainable development, further stating that India is committed to fighting terrorism.
"A universal development agenda requires that developed country partners must also take on obligations. It is our hope that our partners will help us in establishing a supportive international environment to pursue the goals of inclusive and sustainable development. At the same time, a critical aspect would be to ensure that the developing countries are assisted in this huge task with adequate financial and other necessary means," he said.
"When we talk of development, we cannot ignore terrorism which is plaguing the entire world and puts a heavy burden on our efforts for peace and development. India is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations in a composite form. India would be willing to engage with other countries both bilaterally and through multilateral arrangements to combat terrorism," he added.
