Iran underlines promotion of cooperation with African states

He made the remarks in a meeting with Benin's new Ambassador to Iran, Naim Akibo.

Benin envoy submitted his credentials to Iranian President during the meeting.

In the meeting, President underlined that dialogue is the only solution to problems in the Middle East and African countries.

There are good capacities for development of cooperation between Iran and Benin, he said.

President noted that similar to Africa, the Middle East is also suffering big powers’ interference and the problem of violence and terrorism.

Iran, Benin and other African countries can enjoy bilateral and multilateral cooperation for resolution of regional and international problems, he said.

President Rouhani noted that regional problems can be resolved through dialogue, adding that cooperation against terrorism and extremism is a necessity.

Terrorism imposes the logic of force and violence to nations, he said, noting that execution of joint projects in Benin by Iranian engineers will reinforce friendship between the two nations.

The Benin envoy, for his part, thanked Iran's efforts for resolution of regional problems and establishment of stability.

He pointed to capacities Iran and Benin for cooperation and noted that Benin is interested to use the Iranian experts and academics experience in technological and scientific fields.

Africa and Benin need cooperation with Iran because Tehran has better understanding of African countries’ problems, the envoy said.

He offered condolences to Iranian people and government for the recent terrorist attack in Tehran which claimed the lives of 18 people.

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