New Delhi: Strongly supporting the combined effort of the African continent towards lasting economic growth, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on July 10 said India was willing to explore "new co- operative programmes" for economic progress in these countries, through public and private initiatives.

In a message read out by Shashank, Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry, at the Africa Union Summit in Maputo, Vajpayee said India remained committed to its partnership with the African Union and with its member countries in diverse areas.

These included agriculture, science and technology, Information Technology and a variety of appropriate technologies for development.

The Prime Minister said towards this end, India had allocated a fund of $ 200 million for projects under the New Economic Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

"We are willing to explore new co-operative programmes for economic progress in Africa, through public and private initiatives," he said while congratulating the fraternal relations of Africa.

Observing that the African Union was the manifestation of a common purpose among the African people to create a collective future of progress and development, he said, "Government and the people of India strongly support this united effort of the African continent towards the goal of lasting economic growth."

An Indian delegation, led by Shashank, participated in the meeting which was formally opened on July 10.

PTI