New Delhi: Shashi Tharoor, India's nominee for the post of UN Secretary General, has launched his campaign by reaching out to 53 countries of Africa. Most of these countries have responded positively to his candidature.
The African leaders spoke in highly supportive terms for Tharoor, underlining the warmth and friendship characterising the relations between India and Africa.
Tharoor, UN Under Secretary General for Communication and Public Information, attended the three-day African Union (AU) Summit held in Gambia from June 29, presenting his candidature in the framework of India's traditionally close relations with African countries and his impeccable credentials.
Addressing the Informal Session of the AU Executive Council at the level of Foreign Ministers in English and French, he spelt out his vision for the UN with an emphasis that "both continuity and change are important", officials said on Tuesday.
Tharoor, whose nomination for the top UN post was announced last month, recalled Mahatma Gandhi's exhortation that those who want change should become a part of it.
Tharoor's address was received with overwhelming acclamation, they said, adding African leaders appreciated his decision to launch his campaign from Africa.
He also met Heads of State and Government, Foreign Ministers and other dignitaries from a large number of African countries.
India has emphasised that as per the principle of rotation, the next Secretary General should be from Asia. Besides Tharoor, there are three other Asian candidates in fray this time.
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