Ahmadinejad Calls For Enhanced Economic Co-op Among Independent States

Tehran, Feb 20, IRNA – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a meeting with Niger Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum on Tuesday called for expansion of economic cooperation among independent countries. He said that the hegemonic powers do not want to serve world nations; rather they attach no significance to other nations’ rights. He called on independent countries to cooperate with each other to defend their interests and rights. The president said that Iran and Niger hold common stands on international issues and that expansion of bilateral ties benefits both nations and other nations as well. Ahmadinejad said that enhanced economic cooperation between Iran and Niger poses no threat to other countries. “The two friendly and brotherly countries enjoy abundant capacities that should be utilized for economic cooperation.” From the Iranian nation’s point of view deepening relations among independent countries is a duty because certain countries are seeking to expand their domination over other nations, Ahmadinejad noted. The president said that expansion of relations among independent countries and nations will lead to a new international system. President Ahmadinejad said that there are capacities for enhanced economic cooperation between Iran and Niger in different areas including industry, agriculture, science, technology and trade that should be used. Niger Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum for his part pointed to establishment of a commission for expansion of joint economic cooperation between the two countries and expressed his governmentˈs willingness to make use of Iran’s scientific and industrial achievements and capabilities./end