Iranian FM, Nigerien Vice-Speaker Discuss Closer Ties
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the visiting vice-speaker of Niger’s National Assembly held talks about a range of issues, including ways to boost bilateral relations between the two countries in diverse political and economic fields.
Speaking at the meeting in Tehran on Monday, Zarif hailed the good and amicable relations between Iran and Niger and said there are numerous grounds for closer mutual cooperation and it is imperative for the two countries’ parliaments to work more in this regard.
The grounds are also provided for closer cooperation between the two countries’ private sectors, the Iranian top diplomat said, adding that they can play an important role in expanding the relations.
The Nigerien lawmaker, for his part, emphasized that the two countries’ parliamentary friendship groups have managed to take important steps to boost academic, political and parliamentary ties.
Expansion of relations with African nations in all political, economic and cultural fields is top on the agenda of Iran's foreign policy.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who won a second term back in May 2017, has repeatedly stressed his government's interest in boosting relations with the African states.
In a separate meeting on Monday, Zarif held talks with the outgoing Afghan ambassador to Iran, Nasir Ahmad Nour, about issues of mutual interest.
