Iran welcomes constructive ties with Africa

TEHRAN, Oct. 17 (MNA) – Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said that the development of relations with Ivory Coast as an important country in Africa is of interest to Iran. Speaking during a meeting with Ivory Coast Foreign Minister Abdallah Albert Toikeusse Mabri on Sunday, Larijani underlined that Iran's foreign policy is based on constructive ties with Africa, after the victory of Islamic Revolution of Iran. Pointing to the relations between Iran and Ivory Coast, Larijani said the two countries have always held good ties especially in parliamentary field. "Iranian Parliament supports the development of relations between the two countries forming Parliamentary Friendship Group," he noted. Iranian businesspersons' familiarity with the requirements of Ivory Coast in various sectors and the expansion of cooperation in scientific, industrial, pharmaceutical and energy fields is beneficial for both nations, he added. Abdallah Mabri, for his part, expressed satisfaction with his visit to Iran, saying, "development of relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as an important country in the region and the world enjoys a special place in Ivory Coast's foreign policy." Pointing to Iran's remarkable progress in various fields, Mabri said cooperation with Iran in the fields of energy, including building oil and gas pipelines, infrastructure development, food industry and vocational training can help Ivory Coast realize its developmental goals. Ivory Coast foreign minister stated, "the scourge of terrorism is a serious impediment to the development of the countries," adding the fight against this scourge requires collective cooperation of all countries in the world. Mabri said Ivory Coast has condemned all terrorist acts, including instrumental use of the name of Islam. He also hoped for the development of political and parliamentary relations between the two countries calling for benefiting from Iran's experiences in various fields.