Iran, Congo call for expansion of mutual cooperation

Tehran, Feb 18, IRNA - Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki called here on Tuesday for
expansion of cooperation between Iran and Congo.

Mottaki made the remark at a joint press conference with his Congolese
counterpart Basile Ikouebe.

Referring to Iran?s policy of expanding cooperation with African
countries, Mottaki said Tehran is ready to broaden all-out economic
cooperation with Congo.

The Congolese foreign minister conferred with Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on expansion of ties and cooperation between Iran
and Congo, Mottaki said, adding that during the meeting the Iranian
president underlined the strategic role of both countries' foreign
ministers in broadening ties and implementing agreements reached
between the two states.

President Ahmadinejad also extended an invitation to his Congolese
counterpart to pay an official visit to Iran, Mottaki said.

Congo is a green and productive land, Mottaki said in his talks with
Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo Basile Ikouebe.

Congo seeks to benefit from Iran?s experiences in mechanized
agriculture as well as the country?s potentials in industrial, mining,
oil and drilling fields, Mottaki said.

Iran with its invaluable experiences in exploitation of oil has
announced readiness to help Congo develop its industries, Mottaki said.

Iran can also assist Congo in the fields of power plants, energy and
dam constructions, said the Iranian foreign minister.

During the meeting, the two sides signed two memoranda of
understanding (MoUs) on expansion of mutual cooperation and political
relations, he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Congo back each other's stands at
international organizations and the current visit of the Congolese
foreign minister to Tehran is regarded as a significant move towards
broadening ties and cooperation to serve the two nations, Mottaki said.

End