The first African leader was Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal with whom President Rouhani discussed bilateral ties especially economic relations, which president believed was below the optimum level given the capacities of private sector in both countries after JCPOA; “the name of Algeria has been associated with a hero and a revolutionary nation in the collective memory of Iranians; we have many shared positions in cultural, economic, and political issues which would provide grounds conducive to improvement of interactions,” Rouhani added.
President Rouhani highlighted the necessity of coordination of oil exporters and producers to bring stability to the markets; “a joint economic commission between Iran and Algeria will definitely bestow a sufficient level of dynamism to bilateral relations,” he asserted.
President Rouhani believed Iran and Algeria had similar positions on developments in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and North Africa; “regional issue requires regional cooperation and solutions; Iran and Algeria would effectively work together given their history of relations,” Rouhani told Algerian prime minister, who expressed gratitude for Iran to hold GECF; “Iran is a significant power in the region and we are happy to see the country finds greater opportunities to play its roles in bringing stability to the region now with removal of sanctions; Iran and Algeria have historical relations. Both countries have developed a relationship based on good will and mutual understanding, according to which our economic ties should flourish as well,” he told Rouhani.
Algerian prime minister reiterated and confirmed Rouhani’s remarks on the similar positions both countries had on regional issues; “terrorism is a contagious disease which threatens all regions and countries, and it should be seriously fought against,” he added.
In another occasion, President Rouhani received Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, where Rouhani described developing relations with African countries as priorities for Iran’s foreign policy; “Iran could provide its capabilities in engineering and oil and gas industries to African countries, especially Nigeria,” Rouhani proposed. “Tehran and Abuja could draw upon ample opportunities on place in line with both nation’s interests as well as regional interests in times post-JCPOA.”
“Both Iran and Nigeria have common views of terrorism; however, some countries in the region manipulate terrorism to adopt it for their own interests; this reality should be understood by all that terrorism is a threat to all, and we should come to a situation where all countries cooperate to fight and tackle the issue of terrorism,” Rouhani demanded. “Terrorists have jeopardized human collective civilization and achievements, welfare, and peace, all unfortunately with a hollow claim to Islamic authenticity, and which indeed acted on a mission to defile the face of Islam.”
Nigerian president for his part praised the successful holding of 3rd GECF; “Nigeria closely watches Iran’s progress in especially oil and gas industries, and with its ample natural resources, seeks to use Iran’s capabilities to develop its economy,” he told the meeting. “Nigeria highly evaluates relations with Iran, and works to expand ties with Iran more than ever.”
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