VP Stresses Importance Of Developing Ties With African States

Tehran, Oct 15, IRNA – First Vice-President Es-haq Jahangiri said expansion of relations with African states in all fields is an important issue for Iran. According to the report of the Presidential Office website on Tuesday, Jahangiri made the remarks in a meeting with African countries ambassadors and heads of representatives officees in Tehran. Jahangiri appreciated active presence of African states envoys in Tehran and said that one of Iran's principled policies in its foreign policy is expansion of relations with African states. Developments in recent years indicated that big political, social and cultural events have happened in Africa which will have their effects on the world. Referring to joint efforts of Iran and African states in international conferences and conventions, Jahangiri called it a necessary move to found a pluralistic system. The VP continued that one of the serious programs of current government is constructive interaction with the whole world, adding that, undoubtedly, Africa is among top priorities for Iran. Referring to a number of problems in mutual relations with African states, Jahangiri said that cruel sanctions and problems in transferring money has faced mutual ties with problems, but with the firm intention we can remove many of these obstacles. Jahangiri said the Supreme Leader and the president have emphasized activating Africa headquarters and Iran intends to develop relations with African countries even in the hardest situation. He underlined that proposed problems by the African states envoys here will be considered. Heads of representative offices of African countries in Tehran said that the main problem in the way of development of ties is lack of implementation of past agreements and Memoranda of Understanding and asked for serious follow up of the problems to remove obstacles. The African envoys, by referring to good political relations with Iran, called it an opportunity to promote economic relations./end