Iran, Comoros call for expansion of ties

TEHRAN,July 8(MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi called on Sunday for the expansion of ties with the African country of Comoros in various fields, including economic and cultural areas. He made the remarks during a meeting with Comorian President Ikililou Dhoinine on Sunday on the second leg of his three-nation tour of African countries, which will also take him to Namibia. The top Iranian diplomat began his journey by visiting Zimbabwe on Thursday. The Comorian president congratulated the Iranian nation on the recent election of the new president, Hassan Rohani, and expressed hope that the ties between Tehran and Moroni would further flourish during the term of the new administration. Dhoinine also expressed willingness to use Tehran’s expertise in the areas of technology, health, agriculture, and energy. ‘Tourism can help bolster ties’ During a separate meeting with his Comorian counterpart Mohamed Bacri on the same day, Salehi said that the tourism industry should be promoted in order to strengthen the relationship between the people of the two countries. And the Comorian foreign minister praised the efforts made by a number of Iranian organizations in Comoros such as the Agricultural Ministry, Iranian Red Crescent Society, and the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation. Tehran ready to provide its expertise Salehi also held a meeting with Comorian Parliament Speaker Hamid Burhan, during which he said that Tehran was ready to provide its experiences to Moroni in various areas. He also conveyed a message from Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani to Burhan and extended an invitation to him to visit Iran. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian diplomat said that exchanging parliamentary visits between the two countries can help accelerate the implementation of joint projects. The senior Comorian official, for his part, said that the recent presidential election in Iran once again proved the democratic system in the Islamic Republic which signifies Iran’s ancient culture and civilization.