Ansari leaves for S Africa to attend Zuma's inauguration

Vice President Hamid Ansari left here on Friday on a three-day visit to South Africa during which he will represent India at the inauguration of Jacob Zuma as the fourth democratically elected President of that country.

Ansari would join a host of world leaders, who would assemble at Pretoria on Saturday for the inauguration of Zuma following the ruling ANC's landslide win in the April 22 polls.

The Vice President, who is accompanied by wife Salma Ansari and Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Nalin Surie along with some other high-level officials, is expected to meet some world leaders during the visit.

Zuma, 67, was elected as President on Thursday by the South African parliament with a thumping majority. He polled 277 votes out of 327 cast by MPs against his opponent Mvume Dandala, who secured 47.

Ansari's 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 ahead of the Vice President's trip.

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.