Iranian FM Meets Thai, Senegalese, Algerian Envoys on Expansion of Ties

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in separate meetings with incoming Thai, Senegalese and Algerian ambassadors to Tehran discussed bilateral ties and regional developments.

During the meeting with the new Thai ambassador to Tehran, Zarif pointed to the two countries' age-old relations, and said, "We celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishment of Iran-Thailand relations this year and I hope that during your presence in Iran the two countries' relations will be expanded, specially between their private sectors."

Zarif reiterated that Iran prioritizes strengthening economic and trade relations with Thailand.

^{_{Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) and Thai ambassadors to Tehran (L)}}

The Thai ambassador, for his part, assured the Iranian foreign minister that his country is committed to broaden bilateral ties with Iran in all areas.

"Enhancement of trade and tourism relations are among our priorities," the Thai envoy added.

During the meeting with Senegal's new ambassador, the Iranian foreign minister pointed to Iran's high capacities for helping the development of African countries, and said, "Iran has abundant capacities for expanding trade relations and the two countries' private sectors can further broaden their cooperation."

^{_{Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) and Senegalese ambassadors to Tehran (R)}}

The Senegalese ambassador, for his part, pointed to Iran-Senegal relations, and said, "My goal and main mission is to expand bilateral ties with Tehran."

The envoy expressed the hope that Iran and Senegal would further broaden their relations in the energy and auto-manufacturing fields.

During the meeting with the new Algerian ambassador to Tehran, Zarif said that Iran and Algeria are in the same region and face similar challenges such as terrorism and extremism.

The Algerian ambassador, for his part, said that he will do his best during his mission in Iran to consolidate Tehran-Algiers relations.

^{_{Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) & Algerian ambassadors to Tehran (L)}}

Iran is an observing member of the African Union (AU) 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.