President Rayeesi: Iran Seeking African States' Progress

“In the past centuries, Western countries have looted the wealth of African countries by exercising domination and establishing colonial rule,” President Rayeesi said while addressing the first Scientific and Economic Cooperation meeting between Iran and Africa on Monday.

“But for the Islamic Republic of Iran, the development of relations with Africa is not for the wealth of this region, as [Iran] seeks the progress and welfare of all nations, including African nations,” he added.

The Iranian president went on to say that Iran and the Western African countries should become aware of the capacities, resources, and grounds for cooperation and sharing their experiences.

He pointed out that despite the extensive sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic, Iran has managed to make remarkable progress in the fields of technology, engineering, medical equipment, medicine, nanotechnology, agricultural equipment, biological technologies, and modern technologies.

President Rayeesi also pointed to the common, foreign-backed terrorist threats faced by Iran and Africa, and said, “With its human and natural talents and capacities, Africa can make significant progress through unity, coherence, and resistance against colonial policies.”

In relevant remarks on Monday, Iranian Trade Minister Reza Fatemi Amin had said that the Islamic Republic eyes increased presence in markets in West Africa and plans to sign nearly $2 billion worth of trade contracts and memoranda of understanding with the countries of that region.

He added that Iranian mining and metal companies have a good opportunity to invest in projects in West Africa.