Iran FM arrives in Libya for talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says the Islamic Republic and Libya have common views on regional issues.

Upon arrival in Tripoli on Thursday, Mottaki said that Libya plays a significant role both in Africa and in the Arab world.

Mottaki is in Libya to discuss a range of issues with Libyan officials, including regional developments, the unity of Muslim nations and bilateral economic cooperation.

“Iran and Libya’s position in the Middle East and North Africa, [as well as the] unity and cooperation of Islamic countries will be discussed during the visit,” said Mottaki.

He added that the two oil-rich counties could work together on oil and gas projects.

Mottaki, at the head of a high-ranking political and economic delegation, is scheduled to meet with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and his counterpart Musa Kusa during his two-day visit to the African country.

The top Iranian diplomat is to leave Tripoli for Islamabad on Friday to attend a joint meeting with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts.