Iran's FM Arrives In Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Jan 27, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi arrived in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Saturday to attend African Union meeting. He will represent Islamic Republic of Iran as an observer member in the African Union meeting. Salehi is to meet and discuss issues of interest with a number of senior officials of other countries, who are attending the meeting. Following up issues related to bilateral ties between Iran and some African states, Salehi will explain Iranˈs stances concerning different international and regional issues, especially relations with Africa. The 20th meeting of African Union Summit will be held in the presence of presidents and senior officials of 54 member states of the union as well as representatives from international organizations and observer countries on Sunday and Monday. The African Union, as the most comprehensive organization in Africa, was established in year 2002 and substituted Organization of African Unity, which had been formed in 1963. Iran and African countries have always desired to expand bilateral ties./end