Iran, Africa to work for peace, equality

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says Tehran’s roadmap to enhancing ties with African nations focuses on eradicating global poverty and instability.

“With the help of Africa, we are seeking to wipe the face of the continent clean from the results of the cruelties of other (powers),” Mottaki said at a press conference in Tehran on Tuesday.

He named “commitment to African progress…regional and international peace and security, and eradication of poverty” as the main priorities in efforts to boost cooperation between Iran and Africa.

The minister added that the Islamic Revolution is keen on setting up “monetary and economic systems” to ease cooperation between Iranian and African businesses.

The heads of states of Senegal and Malawi as well as representatives from over 40 African states arrived in Tehran over the weekend to attend a two-day Iran-Africa Forum, which kicked-off on Tuesday.

In his opening speech, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran and Africa share the similar ideals, stressing that there was no limit to the possibilities for the expansion of ties.

The Iranian chief executive said that his country and the African nations call for a new world order based on “justices, respect for nations’ rights and dignity, and brotherhood.”