Khartoum: President A P J Abdul Kalam on October 22 suggested that India could collaborate with Sudan for setting up a very cost-effective 'Virtual University' in cyber space, which will provide a common platform for teaching school, college, university as well as vocational courses and help in development of telecommunication in both the countries.

"Experts from both countries in highly advanced and specialised fields would directly contribute towards the teaching and the learning experiences. This facility would also help in the development of telecommunication technology services," he said addressing students at the University of Khartoum on the concluding day of his three-day state visit.

"All this would contribute to greater perfection in your educational system and to the enrichment of your social and economic life," the President said.

He also stressed on the need for developing nations to share their experiences in solving development problems as "globally there will be a crisis in the coming decades in energy, drinking water and environmental protection."

"Many nations have to come together to evolve a vision to solve these global issues so that future generations can live peacefully."

Observing that young citizens of the developing nations have many challenges before them, he said for this they should have a "vision at the global level which will eradicate poverty and will ensure that the basic needs of every human being are met."

"Young citizens of developing nations have many challenges before them. The sweeping changes of globalisation are being felt across the world. The countries in the African continent are progressing towards multi-party democracy, economic reforms for poverty alleviation and development and regional integration," he said.

Kalam said that time has come for the world to use science and technology for alleviation of poverty and to find solutions for water and energy shortages in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.

"As you are aware, the science and technology, which has gone into design, development and manufacture of the weapons of war, has great relevance and application for the economic growth of nations," he said.

On Indo-Sudanese relations, he said the two have shared a long history of contacts and the "river-valley civilisations of both our nations had intense trade and cultural interactions. The Nile River and the Red Sea provided useful routes to Indian traders and visitors. Today, with technology shrinking distances, the interactions have also enhanced."

He said the peoples of both countries shared many similarities in their national struggles for independence. The association with Africa of the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, has made Africa and its people "very close to our hearts."

PTI