A senior diplomat said Iran attaches high importance to relations with Latin America and is willing to develop political, economic and cultural ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.
During the South America tour, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi made the statement in a meeting with Colombian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Patti Londono Jaramillo in Bogota on Sunday, Fars News Agency reported.
Takht-Ravanchi said the two countries enjoy great capacities and are able to meet the needs of each other.
"In the new atmosphere, after the conclusion of the nuclear deal [reached between Iran and world powers last July], numerous opportunities for cooperation have emerged, which should be used in line with mutual interests," he said.
Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is ready to develop ties with Colombia in agricultural, industrial and tourism fields.
Jaramillo said by adopting a new policy, Colombia seeks to play an active role in global markets, stressing that it seeks to develop economic cooperation with Iran.
Describing Iran as a "regional power that has achieved great economic progress", she said there are lots of potentials to improve Tehran-Bogota ties.
Meeting in Ecuador
Takht-Ravanchi discussed potential ways of developing ties with Ecuador's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Xavier Lasso in Quito on Thursday.
The deputy minister said Iran-Latin America ties will not be overshadowed by other issues.
"Seeking independence and struggling against colonialism are the two common characteristics of the two countries, which provide a good basis for cementing ties," he said.
Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is keen on expanding cooperation with Ecuador in the fields of politics, economy, commerce, education, health and science.
Lasso said deepening Iran ties is high on Ecuador's agenda, adding that the cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and other international organizations, in which both countries are members, will be continued.
The two sides agreed to form expert groups to review ties and present solutions for expansion of ties to officials.
