TEHRAN -- The Iranian foreign minister set off on a trip to Africa and Latin America on Sunday afternoon.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said the top diplomat was leading a big ranking political and economic delegation on the tour, which will take him to Senegal, Namibia, Brazil, and Uruguay.

Also accompanying him are representatives of dozens of Iranian companies as well as entrepreneurs active in commercial, economic, scientific fields from public and private sectors.

According to Qassemi, the minister will be holding meetings with political, economic, and parliamentary officials from the four countries. He will also be delivering addresses at joint economic and commercial gatherings as well as some think tanks.

Zarif toured Africa last October, visiting South Africa, Uganda, and Niger.

SP/PA