President Hassan Rouhani sent a message on Sunday to Joseph Kabila, the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, congratulating him on the occasion of Congo National Day. Rouhani hoped for closer relations between the two countries in the light of the political will and determination of both sides, IRNA reported. “Given the political will of the authorities of the two countries and the existing potentials, I hope to witness the development of relations in all fields of mutual interest,” Rouhani said. He wished success for President Kabila and prosperity for his people. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told the visiting DRC Foreign Minister Léonard She Okitundu in August 2017 that Tehran would like to increase economic collaboration in various areas, including energy and power sectors, with the African nation.