Iran ready to expand economic ties with African countries

The 2nd Iran-Africa International Summit is being held in Tehran on Friday in the presence of more than 30 member states of the African Union.

Addressing the 2nd Iran-Africa International Summit on Friday, Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi said, "This meeting is a symbol of the will of African countries and Iran to expand economic relations."

Referring to the difference in Iran's view of Africa compared to Western countries, he said, "Cooperation with Africa was emphasized by Imam Khomeini and also emphasized by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Westerners want Africa for themselves, but we want Africa for itself."

The history of Africa shows how many Western countries have plundered Africa's resources, he noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he said, "Despite the threats and sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made good progress and it can be called an advanced and technological country. It is very important to know the progress and the achievment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to new technologies."

Saying that Iran enjoys 10,000 knowledge-based companies and the country's export reached two billion dollars so far, Raeisi said, adding that African countries want Iran's knowledge-based products to solve their problems.

In the fields of agriculture, industry, medicine, and treatment, good products have been produced in Iran that can be exported to Africa, he said.

"It is possible for the Islamic Republic to build a refinery and a power plant, and we can cooperate with African countries in this field," Iranian president said.