Larijani Voices Hope For Expansion of Ties With S.Africa, Congo

Tehran, March 9, IRNA – Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani expressed the hope that Iranˈs relations with South Africa and the Republic of Congo will further expand in the future. ˈDuring my visit to South Africa, we had good discussions about the regional and economic issues,ˈ Larijani said upon his arrival at Tehranˈs International Mehrabad Airport on Sunday morning. ˈI had meetings with South African president, parliament speaker and some businessmen,ˈ the Majlis speaker said. He noted that the two sides also discussed economic, industrial, engineering services and expansion of parliamentary ties. Larijani noted that the two sided have shown interest in expansion of mutual cooperation due to their important role in two important regions, and said, ˈThis issue can pave the grounds for tranquility in the region. Majlis speaker pointed to his visit to the Republic of Congo, and said, ˈWe discussed economic cooperation with Congolese officials and we hope that in the next round of talks we will take further steps in this regard and head of Iran-Congo Parliamentary Friendship Group is slated to follow up the issues discussed in the meetings.ˈ Larijani returned to Tehran after wrapping up his African tour of South Africa and Republic of Congo. Larijani who paid a visit to the two African states arrived in Tehran in early hours of Sunday. The Majlis speaker met South African President Jacob Zuma, South Africaˈs Parliament Speaker Max Sissulo and Congolese parliament vice-speaker./end