Iran's EC chairman, Sudanese speaker discuss Tehran-Khartoum ties

Chairman of Iran's Expediency Council (EC) Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Sudanese Parliament Speaker Fateh Ezzedin Mansour stressed the need for the consolidation of the bilateral relations between the two Muslim nations in all domains. In a meeting in Tehran on Sunday, Rafsanjani referred to the history of cooperation between the two countries and called for expansion of mutual cooperation between Tehran and Khartoum. Mansour, for his part, congratulated 35th victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, describing Iran as source of hope for the oppressed nations in the world and a main support for the Muslim World. He voiced his country's preparedness to promote ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all the fields. Describing Iran as a major trade partner for Sudan, Mansour noted that given the two countries' numerous capacities, Sudan favors promoting economic relations with Iran. Iranian and Sudanese leaders have frequently laid increasing emphasis on the expansion of ties and cooperation between the two nations. Tehran has prioritized promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states and the country is now considered as one of the African Union's strategic partners. Tehran's efforts to boost ties and cooperation with Africa have led to its acceptance as an observing member of the African Union (AU), where it has shown an active presence in the AU summit meetings.