During their meeting, the two leaders held talks on a wide range of bilateral and global issues.

“Our strategic partnership with South Africa is based on mutuality of interests, common aspirations and close mutual understanding. Today, President Zuma and I have decided to impart a fresh, forward-looking character to these ties and to further broaden our co-operation,” said Dr Singh.

The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation, an air services pact and an MoU between the Foreign Service Institute of India and the Diplomatic Academy of South Africa.

Dr Singh further said that the two countries would also diversify cooperation in the area of science and technology, agriculture, Human Resources Development and security.

“India remains willing to work with South Africa in addressing the sheer challenges of capacity building, skill development, jobs creation and combating disease, which are essential for achieving inclusive, balanced growth,” he added.

The visiting President expressed his gratitude towards India’s hospitality and concluded the discussions to be fruitful.

“We have had a very fruitful discussion. We have discussed very critical strategic issues as well as our issues with regard to global issues and bilateral issues,” said President Zuma.

The two leaders also decided to support each other’s candidature for rotating non-permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council for 2011-12.

“We have agreed to support each others candidature for the non-permanent seat of the Security Council for the 2011-2012 term,” said Dr Singh.

The South African President, who is on his first official trip to Asia, arrived in New Delhi from Mumbai on Thursday.

He is accompanied by a high profile business delegation to promote and strengthen the historical and business ties between both countries.