Mauritania backs Morocco's world football cup bid

President Mouaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya of Mauritania voiced over the weekend his country's full and unconditional backing to Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World cup finals.

The Mauritanian president made the statement while receiving a Moroccan delegation.

Driss Benhima, who heads the delegation, handed the Mauritanian head of state a message from King Mohammed VI.

The delegation toured 13 African countries to sway backing to Morocco's bid.

In all these countries, the delegation got clear expressions of support from the highest authorities. The delegation handed messages from King Mohammed VI to the presidents of all the visited nations.

Morocco is competing with South Africa, Germany, England and Brazil to host the planetary event. The World football governing body, FIFA, will select the host country next July.