A senior official said closer consultations between Tehran and Algiers would help promote their economic development and also security in the Middle East and North Africa.
First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri made the statement in a meeting with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal in Tehran on Monday, IRNA reported.
Noting the untapped potential for economic and commercial cooperation, Jahangiri said although Iran welcomes broadening relations with all countries, it is especially interested in developing ties with “friends” like Algeria.
“The two countries should clear the path for private sectors to make contact and work together,” he said.
Jahangiri pointed to the third summit of Gas Exporting Countries Forum underway in Tehran and hoped that participants will make helpful decisions to promote their interests.
Referring to the difficult situation of Iraqi, Syrian and Yemeni people, the vice president said working with countries like Algeria, which have had “logical” stance toward regional crises, would help end the suffering of some nations in the region.
Jahangiri said brutal actions of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State have helped spread Islamophobia around the world, while “Islam is a religion of love, humanity and mercy.”
“Islamic countries should cooperate to prevent extremists and proponents of violence from tarnishing the image of Islam,” he said.
Sellal said Tehran and Algiers have similar positions on regional and international affairs.
In view of the “excellent” political ties, Sellal said the two countries are able to increase commercial and industrial cooperation.
Pointing to the GECF summit, he said consultation among the gas exporting countries is essential to solve the problem of “low energy prices”, which have had negative consequences for them.
“With regard to our strategic relations with African countries, we will try to pave the way for better Iran-Africa ties,” he said.
Sellal also underlined mutual consultation and cooperation to overcome problems created by extremist groups.
