India seeks Morocco's support for Tharoor

NEW DELHI: India is understood to have sought the support of Morocco, which has ample influence on Africa and Arab world, for Shashi Tharoor's candidature for the post of UN Secretary General.

The backing was sought during the talks visiting Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohd Benaissa had with the Indian leadership including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed on Monday.

The move assumes significance as it comes ahead of Tharoor's visit to Gambia, coinciding with the African Union (AU) Summit this week, to seek support of the 53-nation organisation for his candidature.

During his talks with the leadership here, Benaissa affirmed his country's support to India's candidature for UN Security Council.

The two sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, particularly trade and economic issues and cultural exchanges.

The Moraccan Foreign Minister underlined the possibilities of closer cultural cooperation between the two countries, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna informed.

Noting that Indian films are a major hit in Morocco, he said a cultural exchange programme is likely to come into effect next year which will focus on youth exchanges as well as bringing together not just Indian and Moroccan, but also Asian and African cultures.