‘Iran keen to expand ties with Africa’

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for the expansion of interactions between the Islamic Republic and African countries, saying Tehran is committed to continue supporting African nations.

Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a meeting with the Ivory Coast’s new ambassador to the Islamic Republic, 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 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 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, both envoys submitted their credentials to the Iranian president.

Earlier in the day, President Ahmadinejad held a meeting with the new Indian ambassador to Iran, D. P. Srivastava, in which they discussed the latest regional developments, and the Indian diplomat also presented his credentials to the Iranian president.