Envoy: Iran Has Always Stood By Algeria

Algiers, May 29, IRNA – Iran's Ambassador to Algeria said here Monday that his country and the government have always stood by the Algerian nation. Mahmoud Mohammadi was pointing to Algeria’s key and influential role in Africa and the two countries’ growing cooperation, in an interview with IRNA in Algiers on the occasion of African Day. “The Iranian nation has always moved in line with solidarity with the Algerian nation ever since this nation’s independence revolution,” he added. Referring to both countries’ ties throughout the past years, despite the ups and downs, Mohammadi reiterated, “Presently, thanks to the political will of the two countries’ presidents the legal procedure for increasing the level of two countries’ cooperation is provided in the framework of the memoranda of understanding and the reached bilateral agreements.” Exchange of mutual visits of political, parliamentary, and economic delegations, and the presence of Iranian companies involved in exporting technical and engineering services in Algeria are signs for increasing cooperation with Algeria, Mohammadi noted. Bilateral Iran-Algeria ties date back to the years after the independence of this country, he added. Mohammadi noted that Algeria is a rich country with its gas, oil, and phosphate resources, and appropriate conditions for animal husbandry, adding:“Algeria is a rapidly developing country and in many fields self-sufficient, moving fast in the way towards development and advancement having left behind the tough years of colonialism.” Mohammadi also referred to the decisive role that Algeria plays in peace making, safeguarding stability, and boosting cooperation aimed at auguring greater cooperation in the African Union. “This country plays an active and influential role in regional and international organizations, which is why Iran exchanges opinion and consults with Algerian officials both bilaterally, and multilaterally,” he said. Mohammadi also referred to the membership of Iran and Algeria in various international organizations, such as the OPEC and the OIC, adding, “Our two Islamic countries have had cooperation in issues related to international rules and regulations, as well as legal and jurisprudence fields, particularly the Islamic human rights issue.” According to Mohammadi, the two countries have shared stands in supporting the oppressed Palestinian nation and establishment of sustainable international and regional peace and stability. The Iranian diplomat said that Algeria has the wounds of having been a colony for a whole century and the families of the martyrs and the disabled veterans in this country, just like the ones in Iran, are involved in various social fields, adding, “Algeria has always been a victim of the plots hatched by superpowers, such as war and terrorism.” He emphasized that the two countries, keeping in mind their commonalities in independence and development seeking, have a good level of relations and cooperation presently. The Iranian ambassador to Algeria referred to the occasion of day, the Africa Day, saying, “After suffering from colonialism for a very long period, and spending serious efforts, and thanks to the awareness of the leaders of some countries and their solidarity with one another, this continent managed to achieve its deserved status at the General Assembly of the United Nations and the other international assemblies, and thus provided for the flowing of international contributions to the process of its economic and cultural development of Africa.” Mohammadi pointed out that the Islamic Revolution has always had a humane and spiritual approach towards Africa, reiterating, “That has been the reason why the Iranian foreign policy has always attached great importance to cooperation with African countries.” He added, “Therefore, Africa Council was established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Iran's foreign minister, and commissioned to seek the potential fields for cooperation between Iran and the African countries.” The Iranian envoy pointed out that the Islamic Republic of Iran has good relations with some African countries currently, reiterating, “Although some countries’ approach towards the African countries is merely aimed at looting their natural resources, but Iran deeply respects the African nations and pursues relations with the African governments based on securing mutual interests and observing mutual respect.”/end