‘Iran keen to expand ties with Africa’

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for the expansion of interactions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and African countries, saying Tehran is committed to continue supporting African nations, AVA diplomatic reports.Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a meeting with the Ivory Coast’s new ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Abdoullah Cissé, on Saturday, the website of the president’s office reported.

The Iranian president noted that African nations have been oppressed under the rule of the hegemonic colonial powers for a long time and need more support from independent countries.

He went on to say that the Islamic Republic of Iran is eager to strengthen its relations with all African countries without any limitations, adding that Africa is replete with natural resources and has great potential for development.

Cissé said the Ivory Coast is also keen to expand its ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressed hope that Tehran and Yamoussoukro would strengthen their relations during his mission in Iran.

President Ahmadinejad also held a meeting with the new Sudanese ambassador to Iran, Mir-Ghani Ababakr, in which they called for closer cooperation between Tehran and Khartoum.

During the meetings, He submitted his credentials to the Iranian president.