Iran, Zimbabwe keen to expand bilateral ties

Iranian and Zimbabwean foreign ministers in a meeting in Harare explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating bilateral ties and mutual cooperation. During the meeting in Zimbabwe’s capital on Thursday, Ali Akbar Salehi and Simbarashe Mumbengegwi underlined the need for the further expansion of bilateral relations between Iran and Zimbabwe. During the meeting, Salehi pointed to the current status of Iran-Zimbabwe relation, saying, “The consultation between the two countries on regional and international issues must continue.” “Iran as the rotating president of the Non-aligned Movement (NAM), and Zimbabwe, as a key member of the movement, can contribute to the resolution of problems facing nations, including the issues in Syria and Africa,” the Iranian foreign minister said. The Zimbabwean foreign minister, for his part, said Iran and Zimbabwe enjoy close relations, adding, “Zimbabwe intends to explore new grounds to expand mutual cooperation with the Islamic Republic.” Salehi, heading a high-ranking delegation, embarked on a tri-nation tour of Africa on Thursday. The Iranian foreign minister left Tehran for Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday. Salehi will later visit Namibia and Comoros in his tour of the Southern African states. The Iranian foreign minister’s visit to Zimbabwe takes place at the invitation of his Zimbabwean counterpart. During his five-day African tour, the Iranian foreign minister will discuss major bilateral, regional and international developments with officials of Zimbabwe, Namibia and Comoros. Promotion of bilateral relations with African states is a priority of Iran's foreign policy. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration has striven hard to maximize relations with the African continent. 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.