Ahmadinejad says Iran-Niger ties are on the rise

TEHRAN,April 17(MNA) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad described the relations between Iran and Niger as “brotherly” and “expanding”, calling for further expansion of ties in economic fields. Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a meeting with Nigerien parliament speaker Hama Amadou in Niamey on Tuesday. He added that the two countries can establish constructive and useful cooperation to overcome obstacles. Ahmadinejad emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran is willing to share its expertise with Niger in various areas. Elsewhere in his remarks, Ahmadinejad said that the enemies do not want friendly relations between brotherly nations and are constantly working against them. For his part, the Nigerien parliament speaker hailed Iran for its efforts to promote unity between Muslim countries. Amadou also emphasized that Niger fully supports Iran’s inalienable rights, expressing hope that all members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would have the same courage as Iran. Ahmadinejad arrived in Niger’s capital Niamey on Monday and was greeted by President Mahamadou Issoufou. The two-day stop in Niger is the second on Ahmadinejad’s trip to West Africa. He has already visited Benin and is due to visit Ghana before returning home. This is his last visit to the black continent before his second term ends in office in June.