Deputy FM: 18th AU Meet, Differs From Past Ones

Tehran, Jan 29, IRNA - - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Middle East and Africa Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Saturday the 18th African Union Summit Meeting is different from the past ones because of the current Islamic Awakening developments in the AU member countries. He told IRNA before Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi’s departure to Addis Ababa to partake the Meeting. Amirabdollahian said Salehi takes part in the Meeting because of the important developments in north Africa and also because of Iran’s positive approach to development and expansion of ties with African countries. He said Salehi is to meet with his counterparts and some participating heads of states and high ranking officials in Addis Ababa. “He is also expected to discuss with them vital regional and international issues especially consult with north African officials about the north African developments, 'the Deputy Foreign Minister. The two-day Summit Meeting starts on Sunday with the participation of 54 heads of African States and some observers in Addis Ababa as the permanent headquarters of AU. The theme of the 18th Summit Meeting is “Expansion of trade Relations between African States”. Salehi is participating in the AU General Assembly meeting as an observer member of the Union./end