Iranian VP Felicitates Ethiopia’s National Day

Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi extended his congratulations to the Ethiopian prime minister on the advent of the country’s national day.

In his message, the Iranian vice-president congratulated the Ethiopian premier, government and nation on the African country’s national day, and voiced Tehran’s preparedness to further bolster cooperation with Ethiopia on the basis of mutual respect.

“I would like to declare my readiness for cooperation and consultation with your Excellency to expand the ties and cooperation between the two great countries of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the framework of mutual respect and interests and in line with profound civilizational and cultural bonds,” said Rahimi in his message.

To conclude his message, the Iranian vice-president wished health and success for the Ethiopian premier and honor, welfare and glory for the Ethiopian nation and government.

Since ascending to power in 2005, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has striven hard to maximize relations with the African continent.

Iran is now an observing member of the African Union and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings.

The country is considered as one of the AU’s strategic partners along with India, Japan, China, several South American states and Turkey, while Tehran is also believed to be prioritizing promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states.

Rahimi, heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, was in Kenya and Tanzania last week.

During the five-day tour of the two African nations, the Iranian vice-president met with senior Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities as well as officials in Zanzibar and discussed bilateral ties and consolidation of trade and economic relations.