Will always be voice of Africa: Tharoor

New Delhi, May 13: Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, has said that he would continue to be the voice of Africa even if he is no longer part of the government.

"I am always going to be a voice for Africa," Tharoor said, adding he would always offer his "advice and guidance in dealing with the 53-nation continent that is now undergoing rapid changes and is on the strategic radar of major powers, including the US and China."

Tharoor quit as the Minister of State for External Affairs following allegation of misusing his office to help his friend Sunanda Pushkar get sweat equity in the Kochi IPL franchise.

On being out of the diplomatic circuit, especially among African and Latin American diplomats, Tharoor said, "I feel the fundamental commitment is more than any individual. I am sure the prime minister will appoint a successor and he or she will be fully capable of continuing the sustained engagements and they won't miss me."

During his tenure as the minister, Tharoor managed to established good relations with several African leaders, several of whom was known to him because of his previous stint with the United Nations.

Tharoor concentrated on capacity building, training and private sector investments in his plan to build India's relationship with the African.

"Part of my efforts was also setting up new cultural centres in Africa for India consciousness in Africa and that will still be an agenda but in a different capacity," he said.

"Apart from that for any businesses and trade sectors venturing into Africa my advice and guidance will always be there," he added.

A week ago, Tharoor posted in Twitter that he was delighted to know that he was being missed in the diplomatic circle.

"Delightful lunch with 2 Latin American Ambassadors saying they were sorry to have lost me," he tweeted.

OneIndia News