Iran reiterates willingness to expand ties with African states

TEHRAN, May 28 (MNA) - Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is keen to enhance its cooperation with African countries. Salehi made the remarks during a ceremony held on Sunday at the Algerian embassy in Tehran to commemorate Africa Day, which is the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity. African ambassadors based in Tehran attended the function. Salehi said, “Cooperation and the strengthening and expansion of ties with Muslim and African countries have always been a priority in policies adopted by the leader of the revolution, Imam Khomeini, the Supreme Leader, and senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s system. And the expansion of ties with African countries that enjoy great political, economic, and cultural potential definitely is of high importance and serves the interests of Iran and African countries.” He added, “Cooperation between Iran and Africa in international organizations, particularly in the United Nations, and emphasis on the interests of the two sides guarantee cooperation between African countries and Iran in the United Nations General Assembly and its specialized agencies, the Security Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency, other conferences, conventions, and international organizations. “And we will make efforts to adopt common and coordinated stance (with Africa) on the most important global issues of our concern, including international peace and security, development, campaign against poverty, multilateralism, campaign against contagious disease, protection of environment, cultural diversity, etc., because we believe that there is great potential for the enhancement of our country’s cooperation with African countries.” Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian foreign minister addressed the African envoys and said, “I am confident that you, as African ambassadors to the Islamic Republic of Iran, have important roles to play in developing and expanding ties with Iran and the continent of Africa and can take great steps.” Salehi also pointed to the 16th summit of heads of state and government of the Non-Aligned Movement, which is scheduled to be held in Tehran in late summer, and said it is necessary that those African countries that are members of the movement participate in the meeting at the highest level.