New Delhi (India): The 60th anniversary of Africa Day was celebrated with much fanfare by the continent’s embassies in Delhi on Friday.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the formation of the Organization of African Unity, or OAU, on May 25, 1963. The OAU’s successor is the African Union. This day is to pay tribute to the founding fathers of Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU). Celebrated widely across the African continent, the day also honours heroes who died in the struggle to liberate their countries from colonial rule.
The anniversary of Africa Day in the capital was attended by Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State (External Affairs) along with heads of foreign missions and diplomats.
While addressing the gathering, MoS External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi said, “Prime Minister Modi’s 10 Guiding Principles of India’s engagement with Africa have been serving as an instrument in India’s multidimensional relationship with Africa in the changing world.”
“India’s concessional loans, grants and capacity-building programme have played a significant role in Africa’s socio-economic development. So far, Lines of Credits (LoCs) worth USD 12.26 billion have been extended to African countries, thus making them the second-largest recipient of India’s concessional loan,” she added.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean of #AHOMS (African Heads of Missions) HE Rosette Mossi Nyamale, said: “Even as trade and Economic relations between India and Africa are booming, there is still huge scope to expand and diversify trade between the India and African countries.”
“Even as #trade and #Economic relations between India and #Africa are booming, there is still huge scope to expand and diversify #trade between the #India and #African countries, said HE Rosette Mossi Nyamale, Dean of #AHOMS on #AfricaDay celebration in #India . @DRCongoinIndia pic.twitter.com/hCandSqUxd
— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui (@shahidsiddiqui) May 26, 2023
DR Congo’s Ambassador to India Rosette Mossi Nyamale, who is also dean of the African Heads of Missions also said that currently India and Africa are both standing at a new historical point and are embracing new and important opportunities, and it is more important than ever for India and Africa to strengthen their solidarity and cooperation.
“To draw on the full potential of the continent’s rising economies, we appeal to the Indian business community and MNCs (multinational companies) to establish strong ties with African counterparts,” said Rosette Mossi Nyamale, Dean of AHOMS.
On this occasion, Indian and African cultural programmes were also performed.
The 60th anniversary of #AfricaDay is being celebrated with much fanfare by the continent’s embassies in #India ( #Delhi ) today. @_AfricanUnion @AfricaWnn #Africa #AfricaDay2023 @mfaethiopia @PMEthiopia @DRCongoinIndia @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/bNlquZtGjb
— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui (@shahidsiddiqui) May 26, 2023
At the end, in a concluding remark and vote of thanks, Ambassador of Niger said, “We also want to register our appreciation to the Indian authorities for support to African countries to address the digital divide through various programme.”
“Today, India and Africa share a warm and cordial relationship, and the partnership dates back several centuries. India’s investments oil & gas, mining, banking, pharma, textiles, automotive and agriculture sectors has benefited immensely the African nations,” he further added.
-Dr. M Shahid Siddiqui (PhD), Follow via Twitter @shahidsiddiqui
