Iran Stresses Expansion of Ties with Africa

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif underlined that Tehran attaches much importance to widening cooperation with Africa, specially in political fields.

"We have always tried to have better political relations with the African states," Zarif said in a meeting with Iranian businessmen and traders in Kenya on Monday.

The Iranian foreign minister pointed to Iran's trade relations with African countries, and said, "(Iranian) President (Hassan) Rouhani's government has always paid attention to Africa as an important trade partner."

He noted that Iran has long-term programs for cooperation with African states in economic, scientific, educational and health areas.

In recent years, Iran has sought hard to boost ties and cooperation with Africa.

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

In December, Zarif called for widening cooperation with Africa

"Africa is of paramount importance in Iran's foreign policy," Zarif said in a meeting with visiting Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Mahboub Maalim in Tehran.