Africa is attaining a higher status in the world day by day, Salehi said on the sidelines of the 18th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Saturday.
The summit opened on January 23 and closes on January 30.
The African Union is an old union whose role in the international arena is getting more and more important, Salehi stated.
He added that African countries may have not developed in many areas but in the political area they are highly developed, and the summit held in the African Union headquarters is indicative of the fact that most African leaders attach high significance to the union.
Commenting on the importance of African nations to Iran, he said that since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has tried to expand relations with African nations.
He went on to say that before the revolution, few African countries had diplomatic relations with Iran but since the victory of the revolution most African countries have established close ties with Tehran, the Mehr News Agency correspondent who has visited Addis Ababa with Salehi reported.
The top diplomat went on to say that the awakening in North Africa region will also lead other African nations to regain their human dignity as well as political and economic independence.
He also expressed hope that the day will come when the governments of all countries, including those in Africa, will be elected by their people.
He reiterated that the Islamic Republic is ready to share its wide experience with African countries, adding that today, infrastructure such as roads, rail networks, power lines, electric power plants, hydroelectric facilities, and pharmaceutical industry are essential needs of Africa.
He said Iran can cooperate with the countries in various industrial, agricultural, healthcare, and political areas.
Salehi also met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Haile Mariam Desalegne and discussed various issues including Iran’s policies on expansion of relations with African countries.
During the meeting, Desalegne described Tehran-Addis Ababa ties as close and emphasized the importance of promoting cooperation in all spheres, particularly in developing infrastructure in Ethiopia.
MJH/PA
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MNA