Cooperation with Africa is Iran’s strategic goal: Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN, Feb. 2 (MNA) – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said strengthening ties with African states is one of Iran’s strategic aims.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, as an observer member of the African Union, has always looked to the expansion of cooperation with African states as a strategic goal, Ahmadinejad stated in a message to the 14th AU summit in Addis Ababa.

Enhancing ties with Africa and sharing experiences in different areas are atop Iran’s foreign policy, part of the message read.

Ahmadinejad added that Iran has been enjoying good relationship with Africa for a long time and has taken important steps over the last year to increase cooperation with the members of the African Union.

The president also emphasized that the African Union has played an important role in global security and praised Africa’s active presence at international stage.

The African summit meeting started on Sunday on the theme: “Information and Communication Technologies in Africa: Prospects and Challenges for Development”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has attended the conference at head of delegation.

The AU was established in 2002 and has 53 members. It is a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU).