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International columnist, political analyst and senior journalist Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui’s articles are published across Asia, Africa and Europe. He writes for The Moroccan Times, The Tunis Times, India Tomorrow, Kohram News, The Etemaad Urdu Daily and for news papers published from Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. You can follow him on Twitter at: @journopolana[/symple_box]
His Majesty King Mohammed VI arrived to a warm welcome in New Delhi, the capital of India, on Sunday, for the India –Africa Forum Summit. He was received by the Indian Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Baliyan.
Earlier, H. M King Mohammed VI, when he was Crown Prince, visited India to participate in the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in 1983 and, later in 2001 and in 2003, as the King of Morocco.’
India and Morocco share friendly relations historically. India was known to the Moroccans through the Moroccan Ibn Battuta (ابن بطوطة), a famous traveller, geographer, jurist and judge. Ibn Battuta was appointed as the judge (Qadi) by Sultan Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, who ruled India in the 14th century.
In modern history, India was active in the UN supporting the Moroccan freedom movement and recognized Morocco on June 20, 1956 when it became independent of the protectorate arrangements with France. Diplomatic Missions were established in 1957.
In the 21st century, Indo-Moroccan ties have strengthened because of the cherished ideals of peace and tolerance. Both India and Morocco have been leading the fight against terrorism in Asia and Africa. The visit of H. M King Mohammed for the India – Africa Forum Summit will open new vistas of strategic partnership for both the developing nations. Many agreements are likely to be signed in various fields between India and Morocco on the sidelines of the summit. The economic and defence ties and mutual investments will be the focus of the King’s visit. This visit will enhance the socio-cultural relationship too.
The Moroccan Times.
