Iran, Algeria boosting cooperation

Iranian and Algerian officials in a meeting in Algiers discussed ways to further increase cooperation between the two Muslim countries, specially in the field of religious affairs. Senior advisor of Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowment Abdulqader Amir Khayati in a meeting with Cultural Attaché of Iran embassy Seyed Razi Alamolhoda called for expansion of cooperation and implementation of mutual agreements in the fields of Hajj, endowment and religious affairs. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of developing cooperation in aforementioned fields as well as holding joint meeting of experts in the field of religion and Islamic teachings. The Algerian official also called for transfer of Iran's experiences in holding international Quran competitions. Referring to Hajj meeting in Iran, Amir Khayati expressed hope that the Algerian officials would be able to attend the next meeting. Alamolhoda, for his part, evaluated implementation of mutual agreements in the fields of cooperation and holding meeting of religious experts of both countries " very important." Referring to recent visit of Iran head of Culture and Islamic Communication Organization to Algeria and talk with Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs, Alamolhoda expressed hope that joint meeting of experts could be held this year in Algeria. In recent years, Iran has sought hard to boost ties and cooperation with Africa. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has repeatedly underlined his administration's resolve to continue support for stronger ties between Tehran and African nations. Iran is an observing member of the African Union and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings.