Ansari to visit S Africa to attend inauguration of Prez Zuma

New Delhi, May 6 (PTI) Reflecting the importance India
attaches to its ties with South Africa, Vice President Hamid
Ansari will represent New Delhi at the inauguration of
President Jacob Zuma on May 9.

Ansari will pay a three-day visit to South Africa from
Friday, specifically to attend the inauguration of President
Zuma, whose African National Congress (ANC) swept the general
elections in the country held on April 22.

The Vice President will be accompanied by wife Salma
Ansari and Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External
Affairs Nalin Surie and some other high-level officials during
the visit.

"The visit underlines historic bond between the two
countries and India's determination to add depth to the
relations," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash
told reporters Wednesday while briefing on the visit.

During the visit, Ansari is expected to meet some world
leaders who would also assemble in Pretoria to attend the
inauguration of Zuma.

Prakash noted that India's relations with South Africa
have been growing from "strength to strength" and have
developed into strategic ties.

New Delhi and Pretoria share common views on a number of
global issues which they have been jointly airing through the
India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) forum.

South Africa is also a key member of the 54-nation
African Union (AU) with which India seeks to enhance
cooperation in all spheres, particularly in trade and
investment.

India is also looking for support of the AU for its bid
for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council.

South Africa is one of the largest trading partners of
India in the African continent, the MEA spokesman said.

The volume of bilateral trade has been increasing and
stood at USD 6.2 billion during the financial year 2007-08.
The bilateral trade in 2008-09 is estimated to be of the tune
of USD 7 billion.

Incidentally, Ansari's visit to South Africa is taking
place at a time when the Indian Premier League (IPL)
tournament is being played in that country.

Asked whether the Vice President would take some time out
to watch any IPL match, the spokesman said it would depend on
Ansari's personal interest.