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South Africa and India sign defense agreement |
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September 28, 2000
CAPE TOWN (AP) - South Africa and India agreed Wednedsay to cooperate on peacekeeping, counterterrorism and other defense-related areas. An agreement signed by the two countries' defense ministers said the countries will cooperate in arms procurement, development of information technology, military financing and protection of classified information. The agreement also said South Africa and India will share scientific and technical knowledge, and military research. After the signing ceremony, South African Defense Minister Mosiuoa Lekota said his country sought to learn from India's peacekeeping experience. "The regional tensions in southern Africa require us to enrich our experience and understanding and to deepen our capability to handle conflict," Lekota said. "We are keen to learn more about peacekeeping, peacemaking and most importantly how to contribute to world peace." India has participated in the U.N. peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, but made a surprise announcement last week that it is planning to withdraw its 3,059 troops. George Fernandes, the Indian defense minister, described the agreement as a landmark. "Our common aim is not one where we would look to any kind of weapons proliferation ... but (to) having our own strength to protect our frontiers and to ensure a world of peace and prosperity," he said. Fernandes returns to India Thursday after a three-day official visit. |