New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) Thanking Tanzania for its support to India’s claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, President Pranab Mukhejee on Friday said the two countries should make common cause to ensure that institutions of global governance address “our concerns”.
“It is India’s firm belief that nations such as India and Tanzania should make common cause to ensure that institutions of global governance address our concerns and meet the aspirations of developing countries,” he said at a banquet hosted for Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and his wife Salma Kikwete at Rashtrapati Bhawan here.
The president said: “India has taken the initiative, along with other developing countries, to pursue reforms in the United Nations and its key organisations, particularly the Security Council. India is grateful for Tanzania’s support to India’s claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.”
He said: “India considers the people of Africa as brothers in a journey to a common destination. Since its inception, India-Africa Forum Summit has symbolized the shared interests of roughly one-fourth of the world’s geographical area and one-third of humanity.”
Mukherjee said: “India and Tanzania have a shared commitment to international peace and stability. Both countries desire to see that the fruits of globalisation are enjoyed more equitably. India values the close co-operation it has with Tanzania in multilateral fora.”
“Tanzania evokes in India fond memories of its iconic founder-leader Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and his close friendship with India’s founding fathers. In particular, India remembers him for his contribution to South-South Co-operation,” the president said.
Referring to the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit that will take place in New Delhi in October, he said: “He was confident that the Summit will result in new initiatives and innovative ideas for the development, growth and advancement of all our peoples.”