India,Namibia sign mineral,energy agreements

Pohamba also met President Pratibha Patil,UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi,Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Leader of Opposition L K Advani.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,after meeting Pohamba,said: “Our relations with Namibia have strong historical roots,which predate Namibia’s independence. They are warm,cooperative and based on profound understanding of each other’s aspirations.”

Singh said he had “detailed and forward-looking” discussions with Pohamba. “We have decided to inject fresh dynamism in our cooperation in areas such as human resource development,capacity building,trade and economic exchanges,agriculture,transportation,defence,information technology,health,energy and mining.”

“I renewed India’s commitment to cooperate with Namibia within our capacities and capabilities in its economic,social,human and infrastructure development,” the Prime Minister said.

Singh also reiterated that partnership with Namibia is an important component of India’s desire to revitalise historical and civilizational ties with Africa in keeping with the requirements of the 21st century. “We will work with Namibia to implement the outcomes jointly arrived at the India-Africa Forum Summit held in Delhi in April,2008¿this visit constitutes a new milestone in our longstanding relations,” Singh said.