Minister of State for Rural Development Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani has said that the collective vision from the brainstorming session of the 21st African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) would strengthen the deep bonds between Asia and Africa. Addressing the concluding session of AARDO in New Delhi today, Dr Pemmasani said, the conference has reaffirmed that development is strongest when rooted in community, driven by local knowledge, technology and south-south cooperation. He added that this forum would provide a renewed commitment and provide vision for a stronger purpose with a united mission.

Dr Pemmsani also urged the gathering to learn from each other and ensure that development reaches even the most remote villages across Asia-Africa.