TIA NEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India and South Africa are strategic partners and have similar aspirations and challenges.
Addressing the Indian Community in Durban, he said, India is a land of opportunity and a ray of hope. Mr. Modi visited ‘Phoenix settlement’ an Ashram in Durban that Mahatma Gandhi had set up during his days in South Africa.
Mr. Modi was welcomed by Ila Gandhi, the grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi. He planted a sapling in the farm and was given a traditional welcome by the local people with songs and dances.
The Prime Minister also visited Pietermaritzburg and inaugurated an exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi. The exhibition is being held in the same waiting hall where Gandhiji spent his night in 1893 after being thrown off the first class compartment of the train for being a non-white.
Speaking to the media, the Prime Minister said, this is the place which turned Gandhi into Mahatma and he is honoured to visit the place associated with the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Modi recalled centuries old connection between India and South Africa.
Before departing for Tanzania this evening, he will be given a civic reception by the Mayor of Durban at the city hall. In Daresslam, Mr Modi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Barak Obama Drive tomorrow morning.
He will later meet the President John Pambey Magufuli. They are likely to discuss matters of mutual interest. Both sides are likely to sign various agreements in important areas.
The Prime Minister will visit the solar electricity exhibition at Hotel Hyatt Regency and will address Indian diaspora.