Al Ahram, P.6 (8-4-2008)

In her statements to "Al Ahram", Fayza Abul Naja: Egypt's participation in India-Africa Summit opens new horizons for joint cooperation

Efforts exerted to double the volume of trade exchange and secure new sources of energy and technology

Interviewed by: Maha Al Nahas

    The Egyptian participation in the first India-Africa Summit, which is being held today and tomorrow in the Indian capital New Delhi, reflects Egypt's realization of the importance of this event for both the African and Indian sides. It is worth mentioning that the summit would discuss different issues of common interests. In the following interview with Mrs. Fayza Abul Naja, the Minister of International Cooperation, we discussed with the means to make this summit a success and her point of view about the Egypt's relations and future cooperation with both India and Africa.

Q: What is the importance of the India-Africa Summit, especially in view of the fact that it is being held for the first time?

Ans.: Yes, this is correct. The Summit is being held for the first time. However, the decision of holding this summit is a culmination of tremendous efforts exerted over the past few years in quest for cementing African-Indian relations. In fact, this summit has a special significance, given the historical relations between India and several African countries, on top of which comes Egypt. The two countries, Egypt and India, cooperate in several forums, such as the NAM and both of them share common political stances towards several international issues. As for the economic and developmental aspects,
the summit provides a good opportunity to lay down firm foundations for South-South cooperation, which was first advocated by the two late leaders Gamal Abdel Nasser and Nehru in the middle of last century. In this context, the message of the President of the Republic to the leaders gathered in
New Delhi focused on the priorities of development in the African continent, including economic and social development, industrial modernization, human resources development, qualifying African youth and promoting the role of scientific and technological research in the process of development in Africa. It is worth mentioning that both India and Egypt have a very interesting developmental experience in the field of telecommunication and IT, which can useful for developing local technologies for Africa.

In fact, this summit is a continuation of the efforts, which are exerted with the objective to enhance strategic partnership between Africa and the members of the international community.

Q: What are the means that can guarantee the success of partnership between Africa and India?

Ans.: The success of any partnership depends in the first place on the sincere desire of the two parties in having cooperation and their belief in the presence of common interests. It also depends on the continuation of efforts, which aim at following up the outcomes of all conferences and meetings at all administrative and institutional levels. So, President Mubarak reiterated in his message the importance of translating the objectives of cooperation into a plan of action with certain priorities, which can be implemented within a realistic time framework in a bid to achieve the sought-after ambitions. He also stressed the importance of crystallizing practical and realistic follow-up and assessment mechanisms for the agreed-upon plans of action in the proposed fields of cooperation. He also indicated that the member states of the OAU and India would share prime responsibility for drafting these plans of action and mechanisms on basis of equality and cooperation in order to ensure meeting the needs and realizing the interests of the two parties.

Q: What can guarantee for Africa that India would be committed to its obligations, especially in the absence of any articles, so for, regarding
the funding of the proposed projects?

Ans.: The Summit is being held upon an initiative taken by the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh and this reflects the interest of the Indian side in developing its relations with Africa. This also reflects India's seriousness in implementing its agreements and obligations with the African continent. As I have mentioned earlier that India has several interests in Africa, as it is considered a huge market for the Indian exports. Moreover, trade exchange between India and Africa doubled and reached US$ 12.5 billion in 2007. Also, efforts are being exerted to increase this figure. On our part, we have requested them to guarantee providing the required funds for the implementation of the plans of action, programmes and projects. Moreover, the latest African Summit held in Addis Ababa referred to the necessity that the African Union Commission should prepare a report covering a comprehensive assessment of the progress to be achieved in the implementation of the agreed-upon strategies and plans of action.

Q: What is your assessment of the Egyptian-African relations? What are the fields in which there can be cooperation with Africa in general and Egypt in particular?

Ans.: President Mubarak stressed in his message that Egypt is keen on supporting NEPAD, as you know that Egypt is one of the five founding members of NEPAD. There are several domains for cooperation with Africa, such as development of agricultural production, food productivity, SMEs, industrial modernization and science & technology.

Q: Egypt has entered the era of nuclear technology…So, can we have cooperation with India in the nuclear field? Is this matter proposed?

Ans.: Undoubtedly, cooperation in the field of energy and technology is of a great importance and it is proposed for cooperation with India, given the progress achieved by both Egypt and India in this field. India is considered an important partner for the developing countries in the fields of energy and technological and scientific research. However, it seems to be too early to speak about specific cooperation between the two countries in the field of nuclear technology. In this context, the Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and MoS for Scientific Research Dr. Hani Helal has extended the invitation to the Indian Minister of Scientific Research and Technology Mr. Kapil Sibal to visit Egypt. In case the Indian Minister paid the visit, the two sides will discuss all possible aspects of cooperation in the fields of science, technology, research and development.

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