South Africa has lauded India as the 'pharmacy of the world,' expressing deep gratitude for its critical medical assistance amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa. The remarks were made by South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Anna Thandi Moraka, during a high-level delegation visit to New Delhi led by South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile.
India's Role in Global Healthcare
In an interaction with ANI, Moraka highlighted India's consistent support to the African continent. 'India is always globally regarded as the pharmacy of the world. We continue to get a lot of pharmaceutical products to the continent of Africa, not only due to the current outbreak of Ebola,' she said. She emphasized the life-saving impact of the India-Africa strategic healthcare alliance, noting that India has long supported African member states in fighting HIV and AIDS, which remain serious challenges on the continent.
'It is because of the partnership and the cooperation at a strategic level within the health sector between African Member States and the Republic of India,' Moraka added, calling for the maintenance of these vital ties.
Ramaphosa's BRICS Summit Confirmation
Moraka also confirmed a major diplomatic development: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to India in September to attend the high-profile BRICS Summit. Extending Pretoria's full backing to New Delhi's ongoing BRICS Chairmanship, she expressed high expectations for the upcoming summit.
'We want to take this opportunity and wish India all the best of luck during the chairmanship of BRICS, and we want to indicate that South Africa, through our President, President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be attending the BRICS Summit that will be happening in India in September. We're looking forward to a more strategic partnership that can advance the interests of the countries of the global south,' she stated.
Invitation to Prime Minister Modi
Underlining a shared geopolitical vision, Moraka revealed that South Africa has extended an open invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the country. 'We are here in India, and we have been inviting the Prime Minister of India to come to South Africa, so that we can continuously engage on these important global developments, because the world has always been experiencing the ever-changing global balance of forces. So we need to be closer to each other as progressive partners,' she said.
Historical Ties and Economic Framework
Invoking the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, the Deputy Minister concluded by noting that the foundational bond between the two nations has successfully evolved into a robust economic framework driving trade and investments today. This partnership continues to strengthen as both countries navigate an increasingly volatile international landscape.
