NEW DELHI, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of India and 14 African countries concluded here their first-ever India-Africa Forum Summit on Wednesday by issuing a declaration and a cooperation blueprint to forge a more contemporary partnership in key areas like trade, energy, the UN reforms, anti-terrorism and global warming.

    In the Delhi Declaration issued after the summit, India and Africa agreed to reinforce the multi-dimensional relations between them and decided to help each other to become more self-reliant and to work together to strengthen their close partnership.

Leaders from India and some African countries pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the India-Africa Forum Summit, in New Delhi,  India, April 8, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    India, an aspirant for the permanent membership of UN Security Council, is seeking the crucial support of African countries in bringing about reforms in the world body.

    India and Africa countries agreed to "further strengthen cooperation towards early realization of a genuine reform of the United Nations and its working methods, particularly revitalizing and enhancing the role of the General Assembly and reform and expansion of the Security council."

    "Africa takes note of India's position and its aspirations to become a permanent member with full rights in an expanded UN Security Council", the document said.

    India and Africa reaffirmed their commitment to providing "meaningful" market access to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and called on the members of WTO to implement duty-free and quota-free market access for all products originating from the LDCs.

    On the issue of climate change, they expressed regret over the lack of demonstrable progress by developed countries on Green House Gas reduction commitments in the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. "We emphasize the need for equitable and fair burden sharing in mitigation which must take into account historical emissions", said the declaration.