Iran’s foreign minister begins West Africa tour

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif began on Sunday a tour to a number of West African countries.

An Iranian news agency reported that Zarif’s six-day tour will include Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Mali, where he will meet with presidents and counterparts.

According to the same source, the tour aims to promote economic and political ties between Iran and the countries mentioned.

Earlier reports said Tehran wishes to enhance its relations with African countries.

An expert on African affairs Hamdi Abdel-Rahman said in an earlier article published in Al Jazeera that “the scope of the Iran-Africa relations has expanded dramatically since the beginning of the new millennium”.

“Iran has embassies in more than 30 African countries,” said Abdel-Rahman, adding that Iran enjoys observer status in the African Union.