Salehi: Africa To Emerge As New World Power

Tehran, May 28, IRNA – Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Sunday that there are ample potentials and capabilities in the African continent and the world should expect emergence of a new global power thanks to wave of awakening in that region. Salehi made the remarks in a special ceremony marking African Day in Algerian embassy in Tehran. African continent for many years was under domination of colonial powers but today the African countries are standing on their own feet, he said. The Islamic Republic of Iran pays great attention to broadening ties with African states, he said. Expansion of relations and cooperation among African nations and their leaders is the key to their progress, he said. Many colonial powers seek to dominate African continent to plunder their resources and assets, he said, adding that Africa should be careful in choosing its friends. Iran spares no efforts to help African continent gain success and development, Salehi said. Iran is to send a large number of technicians and skilled workforces to hold short term workshops in various African countries to this effect, he said. African Day was marked in the Algerian embassy in Tehran with participation of the Iranian foreign minister and a number of Tehran based ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of African countries. African Union with 54 members was established in 1980./end