Ansari leaves for Morocco, Tunisia

This is the first visit by an Indian Vice President in 50 years to the two nations. The Vice President will discuss with leaders of the two north African countries issues of terrorism, UN Security Council expansion and investments in private sector, as well as ways to strengthen outreach to Africa and regional matters. 

Ansari will be in Morocco till June 1 at the invitation of Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and the two leaders would jointly launch the India-Morocco Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Rabat, the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) said. 

During the visit, a number of MoUs will be signed in areas like education, IT and communication technology sectors, focusing on capacity building and cultural exchange. In the second leg of his tour, Ansari will visit Tunisia from June 2-3. 

“Ansari’s visit will build on diplomatic gains from the India-Africa summit and we have chosen these two countries as they are great examples of democracy,” Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA Amar Sinha had said.