“India would give preferential market access to 34 African countries, which were among the least developed nations in the world” announced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while addressing the First India-Africa Forum Summit in the Capital.

Leaders of 14 African countries including 10 heads of state and government were present in the two-day summit which seeks to forge a more contemporary partnership in key areas of trade and energy. The summit was expected to help the two sides establish a ‘dynamic partnership’.

Singh described Africa as the “land of awakening” and called for turning the 21st century into a “century of Asia and Africa.” He said that the bond between the countries should not be limited to government sectors only but should spread to all possible fields in India and Africa leading to a fruitful partnership of two billion people of the countries.

Singh said, “India’s commitment for overall development and progress was steadfast as it was keen to see Africa find its rightful place in the world.”

The foreign ministers of India and Africa, who met on Monday have finalised a draft declaration that will be announced by the leaders at the end of the Summit on Wednesday.

The declaration has tried to identify areas of potential growth where the two sides could work closely for their mutual benefit.(IANS)

The two nations are also interested to work on other important global issues like the proposed reform to the United Nations, fight against terrorism and global warming.