TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held talks with top Nigerien officials, including Prime Minister Brigi Rafini and President Mahamadou Issoufou, to discuss bilateral relations.

Heading a political and economic delegation, Zarif arrived in Niamey on Thursday and was welcomed by his Nigerien counterpart, Ibrahim Yacouba.

During the talks, the two sides highlighted the importance of bilateral political, economic and trade ties and discussed regional and international issues, especially fighting terrorism.

In a meeting with Nigerien prime minister on Thursday, Zarif discussed a number of topics, including the latest regional and international developments.

The foreign minister also attended a meeting of Iran-Niger trade conference, during which he said, “We are prepared to cooperate in the areas of trade, commerce, investment and transfer of technology.” 

According to Press TV, Zarif said, “The flagship of Iran’s science and technology sector has attended the meeting, and will waste no time in cooperating with Niger in the area of transferring technology.”

He also lauded the progress in Tehran-Niamey cooperation in the health sector, saying the two sides could work together “in the areas of technology and engineering as well as auto industry in the future, too.”

For his part, the Nigerien foreign minister said his country welcomes expansion of trade ties with Iranian enterprises.

Iran and Niger have been enjoying diplomatic relations for more than 40 years, he said, adding that the high-profile visit by Iranian delegation signified the rising relationship.

Zarif left Tehran on Saturday night for an Africa tour. He was accompanied by a high-ranking political and economic delegation.

He travelled to Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, at the invitation of his South African counterpart Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

Zarif’s visit featured the 13th gathering of the two countries’ Joint Commission as well as meetings with South African President Jacob Zuma, and Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba. The implementation of standing agreements between the two nations were addressed during the event.

The foreign minister also paid a visit to Uganda, where he discussed the expansion of bilateral political and economic ties. During the visit, a 50-bed hospital, financed by the Islamic Republic, was inaugurated.

Expansion of political and economic ties with African countries has been top on the agenda of Tehran.

President Hassan Rouhani has repeatedly highlighted his government’s interest in boosting relations with African states.

MH/PA