Tanzania, Iran seek stronger relations

By Citizen Reporter

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has said his country is set to strengthen ties with Tanzania in agriculture and other economic activities.

"Iran's relations with Tanzania are very friendly, and historical�we welcome the expansion of ties with you," Tehran Times quoted Mr Ahmadinejad as telling Foreign minister Bernard Membe yesterday.
Mr Membe, on his part, called for stronger relations between Iran and Tanzania.

"Tanzania is determined to deepen its relations with Iran and would support the Islamic Republic in international forums," he said.
He said Iran's scientific developments showed that the sanctions against the country had been ineffective.

The sanctions had taught Iranians to stand on their own feet and Iran had defeated the supporters of sanctions through making progress, Mr Membe stated.

In a separate meeting with Mr Membe, Iranian Foreign minister Manuchehr Mottaki said Tanzania was an important target in Iran�s plan to develop ties with African states.

Mr Mottaki said time was ripe for closer ties between the two countries, adding that Iran had used its friendly relations with African states to help end conflicts in Africa.

Tehran has mediated peace talks between Chad and Sudan, Mr Mottaki explained. Mr Membe said Tanzania wanted to learn from Iran�s experience in industrial, agricultural, and health spheres.