Iran urges expansion of Nigeria ties

Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri called for the broadening and consolidation of bilateral relations with Nigeria. “Iran is ready to transfer its experiences and achievements to the friendly country of Nigeria,” Jahangiri said in a meeting with Nigerian Minister of State for Works Bashir Yuguda in Tehran on Monday. He said that Iran and Nigeria are members of different organizations such the UN, D-8 Group, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and OPEC, adding, “Therefore, there are plenty of grounds for mutual cooperation.” Yuguda, for his part, stressed that Nigeria favors enhancement of mutual relations between Iran and Nigeria in all fields, including energy, trade and mine development. Iran has long sought to boost bilateral ties and mutual cooperation with the African countries in a bid to help them with development. Iran is also an observing member of the AU and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings. The country is considered as one of the AU's strategic partners along with India, Japan, China, several South American states and Turkey, while Tehran is also believed to be prioritizing promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states.