Iran Welcomes Enhanced Ties with African States: President
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the Islamic Republic attaches great importance to expanding its ties with African states.
"Iran and Lesotho share close thoughts, beliefs, wishes and causes and their cultural commonalities can open a good opportunity for the two nations’ benefit,” Rouhani said on Sunday in a meeting with Letsie III, the King of Lesotho, in Tehran.
Noting that there is no obstacle in the way of bolstering Tehran- Maseru ties, he said the two countries' firms should explore their potential in the fields of culture and economy and pave the way for stronger interactions.
The two countries should also further increase their consultations and cooperation in order to help tackle regional and international problems, particularly the ominous phenomenon of terrorism, Rouhani added.
King Letsie III, for his part, described the relations between Iran and Lesotho as “close” and expressed the hope that his visit would help boost bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.
President Rouhani on Sunday also met with Swaziland’s Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini in the Iranian capital.
During the meeting, the Iranian president said Tehran was completely ready to further develop its relations and cooperation with all African countries, Swaziland in particular.
Highlighting the importance of combating insecurity and uprooting terrorism across the globe, Rouhani called on all nations to promote political and international cooperation to that end.
Sibusiso Dlamini, for his part, said Swaziland is on the path of progress and should forge closer ties with great nations such as Iran in order to achieve its ends.
The Top African officials are among the foreign guests who attended Iranian Rouhani’s swearing-in ceremony, held at the parliament on Saturday evening.
