FM Underscores Significance of Iran’s Presence in Africa
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif said that expansion of ties with the African countries tops the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“Africa’s significance to us is as much as that of Persian Gulf region,” Zarif stressed in a Tuesday meeting with Iranian businessmen living in Uganda.
Zarif referred to Iran’s presence in Africa as one of the causes of Islamic Revolution, and said, “Relations with African countries are in line with our national interests, and provide the ground for national development and sustainable relations.”
The Iranian official went on to say that Tehran should boost its presence in Africa, and expressed the hope that Iranian tradesmen and entrepreneurs would increase their activities in the black continent.
Zarif, heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, is in a tour of Africa started on Sunday evening.
Expansion of relations with African countries in all political, economic and cultural fields is a matter of prime importance in Iranian foreign policy agenda.