India and the African Union on Thursday postponed the Indo-African Forum Summit (IAFS) that was scheduled to be held at the end of this month, in the wake of the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
A joint statement said that after consultations between the two sides, they “agreed that it would be advisable to hold the fourth summit of the India-Africa Forum at a later date.”
The Indian government and the African Union were working closely on holding the India-Africa Forum summit, which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31.
The joint statement said: “The two sides exchanged views on the evolving health situation in parts of Africa, and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening public health preparedness and response capabilities across the continent, including through support to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and relevant national institutions.”
Recognizing the importance of ensuring the full participation and engagement of African leaders and stakeholders, and “keeping in mind the emerging public health situation on the continent”, consultations were held between the Indian government, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission on the holding of the summit and its associated activities.
As of May 15, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 246 suspected cases (individuals with symptoms consistent with Ebola but not confirmed by laboratory testing) and 80 deaths, mostly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The joint statement said that India reaffirmed its solidarity with the people and governments of African countries and expressed its readiness to contribute to the efforts led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Africa to address the health situation, in line with the shared commitment to the African-led response.
The new dates for the India-Africa Forum Summit and related meetings will be determined through mutual consultations.
“India and Africa reaffirmed their long-standing partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect, South-South cooperation and shared commitment to peace, development, prosperity and well-being of their people,” the joint statement said.
