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Africa Among Top Foreign Policy Priorities

Africa Among Top Foreign Policy  Priorities
Africa Among Top Foreign Policy  Priorities

The foreign minister stressed the need to tap into the great potential available for increased cooperation between Iran and African countries in various domains.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Ghanaian counterpart Hanna Tetteh in Tehran on Tuesday, Mohammad Javad Zarif said, "African relations are of paramount importance to us."

He said Ghana has emotive value for Iran as it supported the Islamic Republic at the United Nations Security Council during the Iraqi war on Iran in the 1980s.

Ghana "set a good precedent by supporting our people's right and struggle against occupation and invasion," Fars News Agency reported him as saying.

"We see good prospects for bilateral relations, given the considerable shared similarities between the two countries."

Zarif described expanding cooperation with Africa as among the main priorities in Iran's foreign policy, saying, "African countries are active members of the Non-Align Movement… and we are ready to cooperate with them to tackle common challenges in the region, including violence and extremism."

Asked to comment on recent reports that Egypt has taken an interest in improving relations with Iran, the top diplomat said, "Iran will adhere to its principled policy and based on the same policy it has always sought and welcomed good relations with other countries."

"Our top foreign policy priority is the region. Fostering economic development and contributing to regional security have always been a priority in our foreign relations."

Tetteh Referred to the long history of relations between the two sides, saying, "Many projects are underway in Ghana under Iran's auspices."

She urged greater bilateral cooperation in the campaign against terrorism and illiteracy in Africa.

Financialtribune.com