TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani underlined that Tehran has always prioritized expansion of ties with African countries.

�After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Iran�s foreign policy has been based on developing constructive relations with Africa,� Larijani said in a meeting with Ivorian Foreign Minister Abdallah Toikeusse Mabri in Tehran on Sunday.

The Iranian parliament speaker, meantime, pointed to the status quo of Iran-Ivory Coast relations, and said, "Iran pays heed to the broadening of relations with Ivory Coast."

�The familiarization of Iranian businessmen with Ivory Coast�s needs in different sectors and expansion of mutual cooperation in scientific, industrial, pharmaceutical and energy sectors is useful for the two nations,� Larijani added.

The Iranian parliament speaker also called for setting up Iran-Ivory Coast parliamentary friendship group in a bid to broaden the two countries� relations.

Iranian and Ivorian officials in a meeting in Abidjan in March underlined the need for the further expansion of mutual cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting in Ivory Coast's capital city, Director-General of Iranian Foreign Ministry's Department for African Affairs Hossein Molla Abdollahi and Mabri explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating bilateral ties.

The two sides also discussed regional developments and regional crises.

Iran is an observing member of the African Union and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings.

The country is considered as one of the AU's strategic partners along with India, Japan, China, several South American states and Turkey, while Tehran is also believed to be prioritizing promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states.

By Fars News Agency