TEHRAN (IRNA) – Iran’s First Vice President Parviz Davoudi conferred on Monday with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on expansion of mutual relations and cooperation.

Davoudi arrived in the Tanzanian capital city of Dar es Salaam early Monday and was officially welcomed by his Tanzanian counterpart Ali Mohamed Shein.
“Tanzania has always been dear to us and our Supreme Leader has spoken highly of the country. So we are duty-bound to help broaden and deepen ties with the country,” Davoudi said.
The Iranian government favors broad-based relations with the African continent and with Tanzania in particular, he said.
Iran is determined to promote agricultural cooperation with Tanzania mainly in seeds improvement and irrigation systems, he said.
Despite facing tough economic sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made significant breakthrough in nuclear technology, nanotechnology as well as launch of satellite into the space by relying on its youths and scientists, he said.
Iran is ready to transfer its advanced technology to Tanzania, he said, adding that the U.S. always seeks Iran’s assistance in resolving current problems in Iraq and Afghanistan which proves the country’s high status in the region.
The Tanzanian president, for his part, lauded the positive stand adopted by President Ahmadinejad on Tanzania and said that Iranian officials help bolster and consolidate ties between the two countries.
There are ample untapped economic opportunities in Tanzania which should be explored, he said.
“I am quite optimistic about the prospect of relations and cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
Davoudi is to meet with a number of Tanzanian businessmen and deliver a speech to a group of students and ulema of that country.
Heading a ranking delegation, Davoudi arrived in South Africa on May 9.
He will also visit Zanzibar.