Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on his maiden visit to Africa by visiting four countries – South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya – from July 7-11.

The visit follows the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) held in October last year when all 54 countries of the African continent were represented.

“The Prime Minister’s visit to the African mainland reflects India’s desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties that were renewed at the successful IAFS in October last year. The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests,” said Vikas Swarup, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), here on Friday.

On July 7, the Prime Minister will have bilateral discussions with President Filipe Nyusi in Mozambique, to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance development cooperation.

From July 8-9, Modi will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum to enhance historical relations with South Africa. He will be visiting Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

“With South Africa, we cooperate and work closely, as also in multilateral fora like BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and BASIC,” Swarup added.

MTCR membership

According to Swarup, India’s membership at the Mission Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is expected to facilitate high-technology tie-ups with Indian industry and ease access to high-tech items for space and defence programmes.

India was inducted as the grouping’s 35th member on June 27.

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